Road Conditions NZ - Late September

We are planning a trip to the South Island in late September, and whilst I
know we have missed winter - are we likely to encounter issues with road
closures in places like Milford Sound and Arthur's Pass?

Whilst I know none of us have crystal balls, it's hard to find historical
reports from previous years?

Any suggestions / tips would be most welcomed.

Thanks in anticipation.

"Simon" <simonheidi@dolby23.fsnet.co.uk> wrote in message
news:d3re17$87a$1@newsg2.svr.pol.co.uk...
> We are planning a trip to the South Island in late September, and whilst I
> know we have missed winter - are we likely to encounter issues with road
> closures in places like Milford Sound and Arthur's Pass?
>
> Whilst I know none of us have crystal balls, it's hard to find historical
> reports from previous years?
>
> Any suggestions / tips would be most welcomed.
>
> Thanks in anticipation.
>
>
Simon,
the effects of Winter down South lasts for some time if its a particularly
bad season. Chains or slicks could be the way to go but seeing as NZ weather
changes so damn often its impossible to tell unless you ask locals (the chap
that lives on that road I mean not any Kiwi) who can give you some historic
idea.

We traveled by motorhome in late Sept 2003.
Weather was cool but by no means freeze your socks off. Roads were quiet.

We did not get down to Milford due to avelanchce risk had the road closed,
and there was just enough snow for skiing at Qtown (poor snow season they
said).

On our day of departure Arthurs Pass and the one to the north who's name
escapes me...were both closed due to heavy snow (down to 300m).

South Island is a looong way south v what Aussies have any perspective on
and the conditions are probably never 'normal'.





"Simon" <simonheidi@dolby23.fsnet.co.uk> wrote in message
news:d3re17$87a$1@newsg2.svr.pol.co.uk...
> We are planning a trip to the South Island in late September, and whilst I
> know we have missed winter - are we likely to encounter issues with road
> closures in places like Milford Sound and Arthur's Pass?
>
> Whilst I know none of us have crystal balls, it's hard to find historical
> reports from previous years?
>
> Any suggestions / tips would be most welcomed.
>
> Thanks in anticipation.
>
>