Can you drive in Queenstown in 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. It is just two hours from Te Anau to Milford.



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You absolutely do not need a 4×4 or 4WD in New Zealand. The roads where most visitors go are either tar-sealed or well-maintained gravel roads that are suitable for 2WD vehicles. Only in rare instances, like accessing some ski fields in winter and remote backcountry areas, do you need a 4WD.

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Although there's snow on the slopes, it's rare for central Queenstown to be covered in snow, so you can layer up in a waterproof, windproof jacket, gloves, scarf and sturdy boots and walk, cycle, and explore Queenstown's local trails as you would any other time of year.

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Like most ski towns Queenstown is cold in winter. Think crisp early mornings, bluebird snow days, and starry winter nights. Gloves, thermals and beanies are a must.

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New Zealand winters, unless you live in the mountains, are shorter, warmer and sunnier than the UK. The fact that New Zealand lies closer to the equator than the UK means that its winter days are longer and the nights are shorter.

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Unless you want to go to really remote places in Queenstown, you won't need to hire a 4WD. These are a lot more expensive than a standard car, so not doing so will save you a lot!

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