Pluto Peak

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Pluto Peak
Pluto Peak.jpg
Southwest aspect
Highest point
Elevation 2,480 m (8,136 ft) [1] [2]
Prominence 260 m (853 ft) [2]
Isolation 1.35 km (0.84 mi) [2]
Coordinates 44°36′55″S168°23′11″E / 44.61538179°S 168.3862745°E / -44.61538179; 168.3862745 [3]
Geography
New Zealand (relief map).png
Red triangle with thick white border.svg
Pluto Peak
Location in New Zealand
Pluto Peak
Interactive map of Pluto Peak
Location South Island
CountryNew Zealand
Region Otago
Protected area Mount Aspiring National Park
Parent range Southern Alps
Forbes Mountains [3]
Topo map(s) NZMS260 E40 [4]
Topo50 CA10 [3]
Climbing
First ascent December 1931

Pluto Peak is a 2,480-metre-elevation (8,136-foot) mountain in Otago, New Zealand.

Contents

Description

Pluto Peak is located 26 kilometres north of Glenorchy, New Zealand, in the Southern Alps of the South Island. It is set within Mount Aspiring National Park which is part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Site. The peak is part of the Forbes Mountains which are a subrange of the Southern Alps. [3] Precipitation runoff from the mountain's slopes drains to the Dart River / Te Awa Whakatipu. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises 2,000 metres (6,562 feet) above the Dart Valley in three kilometres. The nearest higher neighbour is Mount Earnslaw, 1.35 kilometres to the southeast. [2] This mountain's toponym has been officially approved by the New Zealand Geographic Board. [4]

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Pluto Peak is located in a marine west coast climate zone, with a subpolar oceanic climate (Cfc) at the summit. [5] 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. [6]

Climbing

The first ascent of the summit was made in December 1931 by J.A. Sim, V.J. Leader, and K. Grinling. [3]

Climbing routes:

See also

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References

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