Snow chains in NZ

[Snowbum]

We are going to NZ in late August and just wondering if having snow chains is mandatory even if you have a 4wd like Vic or if its more like NSW?

Doesn't look like we will need them now but hopefully in a few weeks conditions have improved dramatically!!

[Polaris]

chains I'm not sure of, but velcro gloves are apparently a must for the sheep

[Snowbum]

Haha, thanks for the tip

[Taxman]

When I was last there I was able to hire a Subaru Liberty 4WD wagon and specify chains and ski racks. If I can recall, the company was Apex. Didn't need the chains, but came close on one trip up Mt Shutt.

[Jahoota]

nz isnt a nanny state like here. The are a lot more relaxed about stuff like that so just chill bro.

[Taxman]

True, but on certain access roads, they will tell you to fit chains or only let 4WDs past or tell you to park and wait for the shuttle; primarily because they don't want to waste skiing time having to haul clueless people back onto the road.

[Jahoota]

True, but on certain access roads, they will tell you to fit chains or only let 4WDs past or tell you to park and wait for the shuttle; primarily because they don't want to waste skiing time having to haul clueless people back onto the road.

now where's the fun in that. ;) I love laughing at cars with one chain on the back wheel (seriously... they only fitted one chain as they only had one chain - comedic gold!) being hauled up a 30 degree slope by a grader. You just dont get enough of that sort of entertainment here thanks to the fun police. :happy:

[skibum]

The last time that I had to use chains in NZ, I didn't need to get my hands dirty! They had Chain Gangs which would fit your chains for about $5.00 :cool:

[ausi ski bum]

Snowbum, skibum Pfft just cheap imitations of the real thing :cold:

[Dr D]

Last time I was in NZ it snowed so much during the day they wouldn't allow cars to leave the car park at Cardrona without fitting chains. Four wheel drives included.

[schuss]

We skied Queenstown and Wanaka areas a couple of years ago. We hired a 4WD - with snow chains - and had to put them one twice during the week. I'm pretty sure they were compulsory to carry them to The Remarkables and Coronet Peak. Not so sure about Cardrona and Treble Cone.
As Skibum says, there are guys there that can help you put on snowchains if you're in a chain fitting bay, but if you have to put them on in the carpark, on your way home - then you're on your own.

[Ben Ferg]

If you are hiring a vehicle, as for chains. Check that they are ok though before you drive out of the place. Have heard of people getting to the mtn & finding out that they are broken.

for me chains are like a knife, own your own & don't lend them.