New Zealand mountaineering
Created | Updated Jan 28, 2002
Most of New Zealand's large mountains are in a range called the Southern Alps, in the South Island.
The Southern Alps are called this, because they resemble in their size, shape, altitude and latitude, the Alps of Europe. The Southern Alps however are much more heavily glaciated than their northern counterparts, chiefly because of heavier snowfalls on the peaks.
This is due to the prevailing Westerly weather pattern, bringing a succession of cold fronts from the South Tasman Sea, the coastline of which is only a matter of 30 to 40 km from the summits.
The result is an enormous, rugged, playground for the mountaineer.
The highest peak in New Zealand is Mount Cook, at 3750 metres. There are also many other peaks for the climber, with approximately 30 peaks over 3000 metres in elevation. Climbing is often undertaken from a mountain hut in one of the national parks. Venturing beyond the parks into more remote terrain, a tent or a snowcave is used as a base.
New Zealanders have traditionally been keen on the outdoors, and the mountaineering clubs of New Zealand are active in promoting the sport of climbing, providing facilities for the mountaineer and maintaining access to the peaks. Climbing is represented at a national level by the New Zealand Alpine Club. The most famous member of this club is Sir Edmund Hillary, of Himalayan fame.
To make contact with the New Zealand Alpine Club, check out their website on http://www.nzalpine.org.nz
The Southern Alps are called this, because they resemble in their size, shape, altitude and latitude, the Alps of Europe. The Southern Alps however are much more heavily glaciated than their northern counterparts, chiefly because of heavier snowfalls on the peaks.
This is due to the prevailing Westerly weather pattern, bringing a succession of cold fronts from the South Tasman Sea, the coastline of which is only a matter of 30 to 40 km from the summits.
The result is an enormous, rugged, playground for the mountaineer.
The highest peak in New Zealand is Mount Cook, at 3750 metres. There are also many other peaks for the climber, with approximately 30 peaks over 3000 metres in elevation. Climbing is often undertaken from a mountain hut in one of the national parks. Venturing beyond the parks into more remote terrain, a tent or a snowcave is used as a base.
New Zealanders have traditionally been keen on the outdoors, and the mountaineering clubs of New Zealand are active in promoting the sport of climbing, providing facilities for the mountaineer and maintaining access to the peaks. Climbing is represented at a national level by the New Zealand Alpine Club. The most famous member of this club is Sir Edmund Hillary, of Himalayan fame.
To make contact with the New Zealand Alpine Club, check out their website on http://www.nzalpine.org.nz
