>>2258440>What part of the south island has good winter backpacking that won't kill me?See pic. Nelson Lakes and Mt Richmond also have some pretty rowdy sections in winter, but I wouldn't exclude the bulk of the parks - ask for info at local DOC office.
Rotomairewhenua in Nelson Lakes is definitely worth the trip - catch a boat across the lake, then a day's walk up the valley to the hut.
https://www.pandotrip.com/the-clearest-lake-in-the-world-found-in-nelson-new-zealand-11477/>>2258440>I'm assuming the north island is not much different besides getting more rain.It's actually remarkably different for some reason. There tend to be a lot of short, sharp hills up north, I haven't spent much time up that way to be fair.
The main difference up there is you'll get back to your car and the window will be smashed and your stereo gone. Seriously, don't even bother - if your time is limited at all, it's best spent in the south.
There's no more rain in the north than the south.
The entire west coast of the SI gets a shit ton of rain, ~13m/yr in the hills. BUT it tends to come hard and fast, and they have nearly the same sunshine hours as anywhere else.
Check out Welcome Flat on down near Hokitika - reasonably long but easy walk, ends at some hot pools. Take a few beers.
