Alice Peak

Alice Peak is a 2,155-metre-elevation (7,070-foot) mountain in Fiordland, New Zealand.

Alice Peak
South aspect, aerial view
Highest point
Elevation	2,155 m (7,070 ft)[1][2]
Prominence	255 m (837 ft)[2]
Parent peak	Mount Tūtoko[3]
Isolation	2.5 km (1.6 mi)[2]
Coordinates	44°35′02″S 168°02′25″E[2]
Naming
Etymology	Alice Evans
Geography
Alice Peak Location in New Zealand
Interactive map of Alice Peak
Location	South Island
Country	New Zealand
Region	Southland[2]
Protected area	Fiordland National Park
Parent range	Darran Mountains
Topo map	Topo50 CA09[4]
Geology
Rock age	136 ± 1.9 Ma
Rock type(s)	Gabbronorite, dioritic orthogneiss
Climbing
First ascent	1935

Description

Alice Peak is part of the Darran Mountains and is situated in the Southland Region of the South Island. It is set within Fiordland National Park which is part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Site.^[2] Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains east to the Hollyford River via Stickup and Glacier creeks. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises 1,950 metres (6,398 feet) above the Hollyford Valley in four kilometres.

History

The first ascent of the summit was made in 1935 by Frank Alack, Kate Gardiner, and Vic Williams.^[4] The mountain was named by Kate Gardiner after her late mother, Alice Evans (1851–1924).^[5][6] This mountain's toponym has been officially approved by the New Zealand Geographic Board.^[5]

Climbing routes with the first ascents:^[4]

• North Ridge – Frank Alack, Kate Gardiner, Vic Williams – (1935)
• South East Ridge – Anna Gillooly, Dave Hiddleston – (2001)
• South West Ridge – FA unknown

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Alice Peak is located in a marine west coast climate zone, with a subpolar oceanic climate (Cfc) at the summit.^[7] Prevailing westerly winds blow moist air from the Tasman Sea onto the mountain, where the air is forced upward by the mountains (orographic lift), causing moisture to drop in the form of rain and snow. This climate supports the Donne Glacier on the peak's slopes. The months of December through February offer the most favourable weather for viewing or climbing this peak.^[8]

See also

• List of mountains of New Zealand by height
• Fiordland

Alice Peak to the right, seen with Mount Tutoko and Mount Madeline (centred)

References

1. Alice Peak, Southland, NZTopoMap, Retrieved 17 January 2025.
2. "Alice Peak, New Zealand". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 17 January 2025.
3. "Alice Peak, Peakvisor.com". Retrieved 17 January 2025.
4. Alice Pk, New Zealand Alpine Club, Climbnz.org, Retrieved 17 January 2025.
5. Alice Peak, New Zealand Gazetteer, Retrieved 17 January 2025.
6. Story: Gardiner, Kate, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, Retrieved 17 January 2025.
7. Te Anau Climate (New Zealand), climate-data.org, Retrieved 17 January 2025.
8. The Best Time to Visit the South Island, nzpocketguide.com, Retrieved 17 January 2025.

External links

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