UKC

Probably not the correct forum however on behalf of a mate whom is considering this trek on South Island over mid September.

Would this be too early in the season e.g. too much snow/rain?

 Thanks in advance

Are they planning to do the whole SI TA? Or just a section/bits?

For the former, yes it’s very early and probably setting up to fail. It’s essentially still winter here then, likely snow on the tops/passes, muddy, wet, cold elsewhere. High risk getting stuck at the big river crossings with a thaw melt etc.

Weather here highly variable so could potentially get anything Sept.

I do occasionally tramp that time of year, but will choose location and weather breaks, and more likely valley/low walks. I’m usually more likely to be ski touring in Sept. 

Agree - there are long sections likely to be impassable / suicidal in September (I'm thinking about the Two Thumbs bit north of Tekapo for instance). Although assuming  you mean this year it has to be said we haven't had a lot of snow yet. 

Main issue as per damo likely to be the river crossings which can be quite spicy.

b

Thanks, I’ll forward info

Thanks Ben