Fettes Peak


Fettes Peak is a mountain in the West Coast Region of New Zealand.

Description

Fettes Peak is located on the southernmost boundary of Westland Tai Poutini National Park in the Southern Alps of the South Island. The mountain is situated at the triple junction point where the Bare Rocky, Hooker, and Bannock Brae subranges converge. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains south into the Landsborough River, northeast into the Troyte River, and northwest into the headwaters of the Jacobs River. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises above the Landsborough Valley in three kilometres, and the northeast face rises in one kilometre. The nearest higher peak is Mount Strachan, six kilometres to the southwest. The mountain's toponym was applied in 1885 by Charlie Douglas, New Zealand surveyor and explorer. He was descended on his mother's side from William Fettes, the founder of Fettes College in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Climbing

The first ascent of the summit was made in January 1935 by Archie Scott, Christopher Johnson, and Scott Russell.
Climbing routes with the first ascents:
Based on the Köppen climate classification, Fettes Peak is located in a marine west coast climate zone, with a subpolar oceanic climate at the summit. 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 fall in the form of rain or snow. This climate supports the Zircon and Fettes glaciers on the southern slope of the peak. The months of December through February offer the most favourable weather for viewing or climbing this peak.