Snow Chains

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Essential Winter Safety Gear

Explore Alpine Roads with Confidence

If you are traveling through the Southern Lakes region during winter, snow chains are an essential safety item. Whether you are heading to the ski fields or venturing through the South Island, carrying snow chains between May and September is strongly advised and often legally required by road authorities.

We provide reliable snow chain hire in Frankton, Queenstown, helping travelers navigate alpine roads with peace of mind. Our conveniently located shop makes it easy to pick up your gear as soon as you arrive in the region.

Why Choose Our Snow Chain Hire?

Perfect Fit Guarantee: We match chains to your specific tyre size (e.g., 215/60R16) using our professional sizing charts.
Expert Demonstrations: If you've never fitted chains before, our team provides a hands-on tutorial.
Video Support: We provide a digital installation video so you can watch it anytime while on the road.
Convenient Location: Located in Frankton, ideal for those heading to the mountains or the airport.

Hire Rates

1 day $45
2 days $80
3 days $95
4 days $110
5 days $125
Extra Days +$15 /day

A friendly reminder to get the numbers on the tyre, before contacting us as each tyre requires a different sized chain specific to that size. For example the number may look like – 205/65/R17

Unfortuately we are unable to reserve chains as they are on a first come first serve basis.

How Chain Hire Works: 5 Simple Steps

Getting your vehicle winter-ready is quick and easy.

Confirm Vehicle Requirements

When you arrive, we identify if your vehicle is 2WD or 4WD and check your tyre size (printed on the side of your tyre). This ensures you get the safest and most effective chains for your trip.

Fast Check-In Process

Returning customers can simply provide their last name to be found in our system. First-time visitors are guided to our self-check-in station to complete their details in under a minute.

Professional Sizing

Using our Snow Chain Sizing Chart, we select the correct chains for your vehicle. If your tyre size is non-standard, our experienced team will manually advise on the most suitable option for a secure fit.

Confidence Check & Demo

We want you to feel comfortable before you leave. If you are unsure about the installation, we will provide a live demonstration and send an installation video to your device for easy reference later.

Payment & Documentation

Payment is processed quickly in-store. You will receive your receipt and rental documentation, and our team will be happy to answer any last-minute questions about local road conditions.

Where You Will Need Chains

Snow and ice are common on alpine roads. Carrying chains is essential and often mandatory when traveling to:

Ski Resorts: Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona, and Treble Cone.

Scenic Routes: The Crown Range Road and the drive to Milford Sound.

High-Altitude Destinations: Any inland or high-elevation roads across the South Island.

Safety Tip: Even if the weather looks clear when you start your journey, conditions can change rapidly. Carrying chains ensures compliance with road signs and significantly increases vehicle control and braking.

For availability and enquiries info@skihirenz.com

Trusted by Queenstown Visitors

Visiting Queenstown for a ski trip? We make ski hire easy for tourists and first-time visitors, with friendly service, fast setup, and expert local advice. From choosing the right gear to recommending the best runs for the day, our team is here to help so you can enjoy the slopes with confidence.

      
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   Tadeusz Piszel 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent experience this year! I really like the new site and streamlined arrangement. This is our 3rd time with Ski Hire NZ and we'll definitely come back again.
  
 
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   Baxter Murray-Hamilton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Holy moly, if you need skis or snowboards this is the place to go!!! We came here last year and again this year, they had all our sizes on file. We even got the same boots as last time, perfect fit!!! We were looked after by a Hawaiian dude who was super helpful in giving us advice in ski and board choice. Won’t be going anywhere else but here in future. Ski hire NZ you are the best and top notch service everytime.
  
 
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   Cheryl Lee 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They have PREMIUM boards! Super friendly team out there, thanks for accommodating all my needs! Surely she will be back ~
  
 
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   kate fitton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. High quality gear, great value and super friendly staff! We've gone to a few places in Queenstown and this one is by far the best. We hired skis, boots, poles and helmets which were all top of the range. It made a huge difference on the slopes. Great location too! You can just stop by on your way from the airport. Wish I found this place sooner! Thanks Ski Hire NZ see you again soon :)
  
 
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   Andrew Huls 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A BIG THANKS TO THE TEAM AT SKI HIRE NZ. Easy bookings Great gear and fitting on pick up They also tuned and repaired our own skis Highly recommend and will use again next year.   Thanks again.
  
 
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   Sam de court 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service and excellent quality gear.
  
 
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   Mark Hosking 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great service and experience with an overnight Snowboard tune, wax and polish