This part of New Zealand is worth a visit all year round! In winter you will need to drive more carefully as some roads can be icy, and snow chains may also be required.
Thereof What is there to do between Rick Anau and Wanaka? The top stops along the way from Wanaka to Te Anau (with short detours) are Queenstown Gardens, Te Anau Glowworm Caves, and Lake Wānaka. Other popular stops include Glenorchy-Queenstown Road, Kiwi Birdlife Park, and Cardrona Alpine Resort.
Do you need a 4WD to drive in snow? Make sure you have a vehicle that CAN handle the snow.
You don’t need all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive. … You would be better of with a front-wheel-drive car, with the weight of the engine over the drive wheels. AWD and 4WD are better — but they’re also no guarantee that you won’t get stuck.
Similarly, Do you need snow chains in Queenstown?
The Queenstown Lakes District Council recommends that you carry snow chains as a precaution in winter, no matter where you plan on travelling in the area. … If you ignore signs saying you need to fit snow chains, you risk being fined.
How do I get from Queenstown to Nelson?
The distance between Nelson and Queenstown is 562 km. The road distance is 809.3 km. How do I travel from Nelson to Queenstown without a car? The best way to get from Nelson to Queenstown without a car is to bus and train which takes 17h 19m and costs $180 – $260.
Where should I eat between Queenstown and Te Anau? Five Rivers Café is a rural café, art gallery and farmyard, located halfway between Queenstown and Te Anau on the tourist route to Milford Sound. The café’s friendly staff serve some of the best coffee and food in the South.
What is there to see between Fox Glacier and Wanaka?
15 Best Stops on the Drive from Wanaka to Franz Josef
- Lake Hawea. Lake Hawea is beautiful! …
- Lake Wanaka Lookout (just after “The Neck”) This is one windy road and the views of the lake are magnificent! …
- The Blue Pools. …
- Haast Pass Lookout. …
- Fantail Falls. …
- Thunder Creek Falls. …
- Haast River Lookout. …
- Roaring Billy Falls.
How long does it take to drive from Wanaka to Mount Cook? At 199 kilometres this drive takes 2 hours and 15 minutes. However, we recommend taking at least half a day to make the most of the many photos stops and walks on offer.
Which is better AWD or 4WD?
Both AWD and 4WD will provide better traction than two-wheel drive vehicles in most everyday driving scenarios in winter weather. Large trucks and SUVs are great for towing and hauling heavy loads and usually come with 4WD over AWD. That means buyers that need to tow heavy loads should consider 4WD.
How fast can you go in 4 high? There is no maximum speed while in 4HI but in 4LO the fastest you should go is 45 mph.
Is AWD or 4WD better in snow? AWD is fine for most normal snow conditions or for light-duty, off-pavement excursions on dirt roads or slippery surfaces. If you’ll be driving in severe snow or true off-road situations, or if you’re interested in pursuing off-roading as a hobby, you should opt for a vehicle with 4WD and lots of ground clearance.
Is it safe to drive in the South Island in winter? Driving the South Island During Winter
The road is prone to snow, ice and avalanches, and it is mandatory to carry chains in the winter. Have a stopover – It is a long drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound at around four hours. A good idea to make the drive less challenging is to have a night in Te Anau.
How often is Milford Sound road closed?
How many days a year is the Milford Road closed and why? On average about eight days a year, mainly in winter, when treacherous weather and the high avalanche risk make driving on the road unsafe.
Do I need chains to drive to Milford Sound?
Drive with extreme care, especially in areas where the road is in the shade. You must carry snow chains for your vehicle during winter. (Snow chains are available for rent in Te Anau). … Roadside information signs at Te Anau, Knobs Flat and Milford also advise current road conditions.
Where should I stay between Nelson and Queenstown? The top cities between Nelson and Queenstown are Wanaka, Franz Josef, Hokitika, Arrowtown, and Cromwell. Wanaka is the most popular city on the route — it’s 10 hours from Nelson and less than an hour from Queenstown.
Can you drive to Milford Sound? Milford Sound is 288km from Queenstown (4 hours 15 minutes) and 121km from Te Anau (2 hours 15 minutes). Choosing to drive to Milford Sound by car in your own time can be a rewarding experience, but there are risks involved. … The drive to Milford Sound can be done in parts, giving you flexibility and full control.
What is there to do in Ver Anau Invercargill?
Highlights of the Southern Scenic Route
- Invercargill – Tuatapere – Te Anau. The 200-kilometre (124 mile) drive between Te Anau and Invercargill via Tuatapere takes approximately 2.5 hours by car and is sealed the entire way. …
- Borland Road. …
- The Humpridge Ridge Track – Tuatapere. …
- Jet boating Wairaurahiri River.
What is there to do from Te Anau to Milford Sound? Best Stops Between Te Anau and Milford Sound
- Lake Te Anau Viewpoint. Only a 5-minute detour from the main road out of Te Anau is a beautiful lookout called Lake Te Anau Lions Lookout. …
- Lake Mistletoe Walking Track. …
- Te Anau Downs. …
- Eglinton Valley. …
- Mirror Lakes. …
- Lake Gunn. …
- Key Summit hike. …
- Pops View Lookout/Hollyford Lookout.
Is Franz Josef or Fox Glacier better?
Fox has a gradual decent, whereas Franz Josef drops steeply from the Southern Alps to near sea-level. The steeper incline forces dramatic movement of ice, making Franz Josef Glacier the fastest commercially guided glacier in the world, with ice moving up to 5m per day!
How long is the walk to Fox Glacier? How long will it take? This is a 2.6km one-hour return walk.
Can you walk Fox Glacier without guide?
Yes! You can hike the trail to the base of the glacier without a guide.
Is Mount Cook worth visiting? Is it Mount Cook worth visiting? Absolutely! Mount Cook is the tallest mountain in New Zealand, and as such, is seriously impressive. There are tons of beautiful walks and hikes to do in Mount Cook National Park that lead to stunning viewpoints of Mount Cook and nearby glaciers.
Is Twizel worth visiting?
Twizel is just a wee place (population around 1,300), and is definitely known more for its stunning surrounds and activities close by than as a destination itself. There’s still a bit going on in the town centre, though, so it’s worth hanging out to enjoy for a while.
Is it worth driving to Milford Sound? Regarding concerns about time, you have to realize that although the drive to Milford Sound is a lengthy one, it is also an extremely scenic drive. Really, the drive out to Milford Sound is half the appeal. If you have a rental car, there are many opportunities to stop along the way and you definitely should.
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