Snow Chains

Home / Snow Chain

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.