Driving from Christchurch to Tekapo then to Queenstown in July?

(Perth, Western Australia)

Hi everyone,

I am planning to drive from Christchurch to Tekapo and stay there a few days, then drive from Tekapo to Queenstown. Then back up to Christchurch two weeks later. This will be happening in July 2011. I was just wondering if anybody has any great websites or advice for:
-driving tips
-information driving in these areas around July
-winter road closures
-driving or weather conditions
-best scenic routes/stop off areas for photos
-what times of the morning, day or night that I should definitely avoid driving in winter


Also do you think I should hire some snow chains?
Thanks :-)

NOTE FROM EDITOR

Hi

Firstly, I suggest each day you check the weather forecast and whether roads are open at local Information Centres. If there are heavy snowfalls the roads will be closed until they can be cleared and are safe to travel.

You definitely should carry chains and know how to put them on your car. Be sure to have a practice trial on the car so you DO KNOW how to put them on if needed. You may not need them, but it would not be wise to travel without them. There is just no knowing what the weather will be like. There is a good chance there could be snow.

Don’t plan on early starts. Fog and black ice are common at this time of year. You need to allow time for it to warm up and ice to thaw and the roading contractors put salt or gravel down, so 9.30 preferably 10.00a.m is the earliest you should start. You will also want to stop early for the same reasons. Once the sun goes in the ice starts to form. Plan to stop by 5.00pm at the latest.

Shady areas may be icy any time of day so take care....especially if the road looks wet!

It is best to cover your windscreen at night as it will ice up .Use warm water to clear...not hot. Be sure you have the windscreen clear and not fogging up before driving.

Geraldine and Fairlie are both good places to stop. I haven’t been through for a while so unable to recommend good cafes etc. Hopefully others can help you here.

Have a great holiday....it should be beautiful. Lake Tekapo will be gorgeous.

Kind Regards

Gail