Mitre Peak (Canterbury)

Mitre Peak
Northeast aspect
Highest point
Elevation	2,621 m (8,599 ft) [1] [2]
Prominence	399 m (1,309 ft) [2]
Isolation	1.67 km (1.04 mi) [2]
Listing	New Zealand #37
Coordinates	42°00′17″S173°36′34″E / 42.00473°S 173.60940°E / -42.00473; 173.60940 [1]
Naming
Etymology	Mitre
Geography
Mitre Peak Location in New Zealand
Interactive map of Mitre Peak
Location	South Island
Country	New Zealand
Region	Canterbury / Marlborough
Protected area	Tapuae O Uenuku Scenic Reserve
Parent range	Kaikōura Ranges [3]
Topo map	NZMS260 O30 [4]
Climbing
First ascent	1895

Mitre Peak is a 2,621-metre-elevation (8,599-foot) mountain in the South Island of New Zealand.

Description

Mitre Peak is set on the boundary shared by the Marlborough and Canterbury Regions of the South Island. It is located 43 kilometres north of the town of Kaikōura, where it is part of the Inland Kaikōura Range. ^[3] Precipitation runoff from the mountain's southeast slope drains to the Waiau Toa / Clarence River via Muzzle Stream, whereas the northeast slope drains to the Hodder River, and the west slope drains to the Winterton River. Topographic relief is significant as the west slope rises 1,100 metres (3,609 feet) in 1.5 kilometre. The nearest higher neighbour is Mount Alarm, 2.4 kilometres to the east. ^[5] The first ascent of the summit was made in January 1895 by Alexander, Fowler, Neville, and Moore via the North East Couloir. ^[3] The South East Ridge was first climbed in January 1969 by John Nankervis, Ross Gooder, and Bob Gunn. ^[3] This mountain's toponym has been officially approved by the New Zealand Geographic Board. ^[4] This peak should not be confused with the Mitre Peak at Milford Sound.

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Mitre Peak is located in a marine west coast climate zone (Cfb). ^[6] Prevailing westerly winds blow moist air from the Tasman Sea onto the mountain, where the air is forced upwards by the mountains (orographic lift), causing moisture to drop in the form of rain and snow. The months of December through February offer the most favourable weather for viewing or climbing this peak. ^[7]

See also

• List of mountains of New Zealand by height

Airliner view of the Inland Kaikōura Range featuring Mount Alarm, Mitre Peak, Tapuae-o-Uenuku, and Mount Gladstone

References

1. Mitre Peak, Marlborough, NZTopoMap, Retrieved 18 January 2025.
2. "Mitre Peak, New Zealand". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
3. Mitre Pk, New Zealand Alpine Club, Climbnz.org, Retrieved 18 January 2025.
4. Mitre Peak, New Zealand Gazetteer, Retrieved 18 January 2025.
5. "Mitre Peak, Peakvisor.com" . Retrieved 18 January 2025.
6. Te Anau Climate (New Zealand), climate-data.org, Retrieved 18 January 2025.
7. The Best Time to Visit the South Island, nzpocketguide.com, Retrieved 18 January 2025.

External links

• Mitre Peak: weather
• Mitre Peak: New Zealand Alpine Club