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I am taking the family for a road trip around Southland and Otago in September. We don't have snow chains but may need them...but will not have any other use for them as we live in Auckland and don't drive south often. Is it possible to hire snow chains anywhere for a few weeks? Or better to just sit and wait out any bad weather?

To be honest, if you have had no previous experience with chains you may be better off to sit tight if conditions turned nasty. Chains need to be fitted properly and be compatible for your vehicle to avoid damage.

I think you would be better off playing things by ear and judge each day and situation on advice given by the local authorities.

If you do have the need for chains (trip to a ski field etc), then local ski hire outlets are probably your best point of contact. They are not the easiest accessories to fit, so make sure you practice in a safe environment first.

A lot would also depend on the type of vehicle you are travelling in. Some vehicles handle these conditions better than others.

Golden rule; if in doubt don’t drive or seek advice from a local authority before venturing out whether you have chains or not.