Do you need snow chains in New Zealand? Winter driving tips

Many people travelling to Aotearoa New Zealand in the winter season find themselves worrying about our driving conditions – particularly snow and how it might impact their travels.

We don’t use snow tires in New Zealand, but snow chains are occasionally required.

So, if you’re planning to drive here during the wintertime, read this guide to decide if you should add snow chains to your car rental.

Get local tips – join our Facebook community 🥝

When you should carry snow chains in New Zealand

Does it snow much in New Zealand?

It doesn’t snow to ground level in New Zealand anywhere near as much as many parts of the world.

And most parts of the country don’t see snow at any stage.

As a general rule, the North Island only sees snow to ground level around the Central Plateau/Tongariro National Park region a few times a year – and only in the cooler months (around the middle of the year).

The South Island gets more snow during the wintertime, but again, the amount and frequency we get is relatively low.

From Hanmer Springs, heading south, snow is possible in the cooler seasons.

It is most likely around Arthur’s Pass Porter’s Pass, Lewis Pass, Aoraki Mount Cook and the Crown Range.

Snow is also common on the ski field access roads.

Winter driving from Haast to Wānaka – notice there’s no snow on the road.

Do I need chains in NZ?

If you’re travelling in the summer time, you won’t need chains.

You might like to get chains late autumn/winter/early spring if:

on one of our alpine passes (for example, Arthur’s Pass, Lewis Pass, Porter’s Pass and the Crown Range)
travelling between Te Anau and Milford Sound. Note they are sometimes required here.

Chains are recommended on ski field access roads.

The access roads to Cardrona & Treble Cone (not sure about the other ski fields) have signs up that say that all vehicles are required to carry chains in the winter (no matter what the weather is looking like or the road conditions). Luckily for those who don’t have them, there’s a free shuttle bus from the bottom.

Sarah Phillips, NZTT member

If snow falls on a public road it will generally be cleared away quickly by graders, so even if it does snow (and you’re carrying chains), it’s very likely you won’t need them.

In fact, chains are often only used to access ski fields, and for ‘stuck’ motorists to get off the road, prior to it closing.

I’ve kept track of when chains have been needed around the mountains for the last few winters. Porters Pass (is higher than Arthurs) allowed chains once this winter so far & once last winter & that was for people that had been caught in the middle of the snow fall thru Arthurs Pass. The road closed in both directions within an hour or so. Same with Milford Road & Crown Range, chains allowed for trapped motorists, or ones leaving Milford & then they closed the roads.

Shellie Evans, NZTT member

In summary, the vast majority of driving in New Zealand does not require chains.

We recommend carrying chains to access ski fields, but they are seldom required outside of that – assuming you’re happy to pull over and sit tight until a grader arrives to clear the road.

To be safe, it’s worth adding them to your car rental if travelling in the South Island in the from June to September, assuming you can do so at a reasonable cost, but chances are, most travellers won’t need them.

Did you know? Roads in this part of the country have grit added to improve grip.