Castle Hill Peak
Castle Hill Peak is a mountain in the Canterbury Region of New Zealand.
Description
Castle Hill Peak is the highest summit of the Torlesse Range which is a subrange of the Southern Alps. It is situated west-northwest of the city of Christchurch and set on the boundary of Korowai / Torlesse Tussocklands Park. It is the second-highest peak in the Selwyn District of the Canterbury Region of South Island. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains west to the Porter River, north to the Broken River and east into the Kowai River, all of which are part of the Waimakariri River drainage basin. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises above Ghost Creek in two kilometres. Climbing to the summit is a popular destination that can be accomplished by starting at Porters Pass and following an unmarked, well-worn trail towards Foggy Peak, then following the long, high, connecting ridge to Castle Hill Peak, 12 km from the pass. The nearest higher peak is Mount Enys, six km west in the Craigieburn Range.
Climate
Based on the Köppen climate classification, Castle Hill Peak is located in a marine west coast climate zone. Prevailing westerly winds blow moist air from the Tasman Sea onto the mountains, where the air is forced upward by the mountains, 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. Climate data for Castle Hill Village which is six kilometres northwest of Castle Hill Peak: