Achilles Peak | |
---|---|
Highest point | |
Elevation | 2,540 m (8,333 ft) [1] [2] |
Prominence | 240 m (787 ft) [2] |
Isolation | 2.7 km (1.7 mi) [2] |
Coordinates | 43°34′08″S170°43′27″E / 43.56889°S 170.72417°E [2] |
Naming | |
Etymology | HMNZS Achilles |
Geography | |
Interactive map of Achilles Peak | |
Location | South Island |
Country | New Zealand |
Region | Canterbury |
Protected area | Te Kahui Kaupeka Conservation Park |
Parent range | Southern Alps Two Thumb Range |
Topo map(s) | NZMS260 I36 Topo50 BX17 |
Climbing | |
First ascent | 1941 |
Easiest route | West slope [3] |
Achilles Peak is a 2,540-metre-elevation (8,333-foot) mountain in the Canterbury Region of New Zealand.
Achilles Peak is the third-highest peak in the Two Thumb Range which is a subrange of the Southern Alps. [4] It is situated 170 kilometres (106 mi) west of the city of Christchurch and is set within Te Kahui Kaupeka Conservation Park in the Canterbury Region of South Island. The peak has a subsummit to the northeast designated Low Peak (2,450 m) on topographic maps. [1] The nearest higher peak is The Thumbs, 2.7 km to the south. [2] Precipitation runoff from the mountain's east slope drains to the Rangitata River, whereas the west slope drains into Trojan Stream → North East Gorge Stream → Macaulay River → Godley River → Lake Tekapo. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises 1,340 metres (4,396 feet) above North East Gorge Stream in three kilometres. The first ascent of the summit was made in December 1941 by Bob Clark-Hall, J.L. (Pat) Clark-Hall, and Tom Beckett. [5]
The name commemorates New Zealand's involvement in the Battle of the River Plate, specifically HMNZS Achilles, a light cruiser that served in the Royal New Zealand Navy during the Second World War. In turn, the ship's namesake was Achilles, the mythological hero of the Trojan War who was known as being the greatest of all the Greek warriors. This mountain's toponym has been officially approved by the New Zealand Geographic Board. [4]
Based on the Köppen climate classification, Achilles is located in a marine west coast (Cfb) climate zone. [6] Prevailing westerly winds blow moist air from the Tasman Sea onto the mountains, where the air is forced upward by the mountains (orographic lift), causing moisture to drop in the form of rain or snow. The months of December through February offer the most favourable weather for viewing or climbing this peak. [7]
Mount Hutt rises to the west of the Canterbury Plains in the South Island of New Zealand, above the braided upper reaches of the Rakaia River, and 80 kilometres west of Christchurch. Its summit is 2190 metres above sea level.
Arthur's Pass National Park is located in the South Island of New Zealand and covers 1,185 km2 of mostly mountainous terrain. Adjacent to it lies Craigieburn Forest Park. The park is administered by the Department of Conservation.
Mount Dobson is the common name for Dobson Peak as a result of being used for the name of a ski resort near Fairlie in South Canterbury, South Island of New Zealand. There is an official Mount Dobson being 702 m (2,303 ft) high at the northern end of the South Island in Marlborough District between Blenheim and Picton, and an unofficial Mount Dobson in the Southern Alps at 2,265 m (7,431 ft) only a short distance due west. Accordingly confusion could arise.
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The Two Thumb Range is a range of mountains in the Canterbury Region of New Zealand's South Island. It is located to the east of Lake Tekapo and has several peaks which rise to around 2,500 metres (8,200 ft). The southern end of the range contains one of Canterbury's main skifields, Mount Dobson.
Wind Mountain is a 1,907-foot-elevation (581-meter) summit located in Skamania County of Washington state.
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