Winter hiking in NZ South Island

[ferozious]

Hi all,

I'm heading over to Queenstown for a week of skiing in the last week of August.
I'm thinking of adding on another week for hiking.

Are there any good routes (3 - 7 days) that don't involve snow travel or ropes but are still mountainous and challenging during winter? (i.e. lower altitude challenging hikes). Ideally close to Wanaka/Queenstown or at least on the South Island.

I'm experienced with scrambling and rock climbing so will be looking for something that isn't "touristy". A few years back we did Routeburn + Greenstone + Caples in 3 days so we're fine with long distance days.

Thanks in advance

[wayno]

not really, unless you want to stick to valley walks. in august there's bound to be a fair bit of snow on the passes and most the passes down there are all high...

[JamesMc]

Greenstone

[forest]

What about the Holly Ford track ??
That's pretty low.

[wayno]

getting a flight into the end of hollyford at that time of year can be hit and miss with the weather and you dont want to find no one else is flying inwhen you are and you get stung for the full $500 cost of the plane, otherwise you'll have to walk i both ways