McClure Peak


McClure Peak is a mountain in New Zealand.

Description

McClure Peak is located on the crest or Main Divide of the Southern Alps, with the summit set on the boundary shared by the Canterbury and West Coast Regions of the South Island. It is situated west of the city of Christchurch on the northeastern boundary of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains east to the Havelock River via St Winifred Stream, southwest into the headwaters of the Godley River, and northwest to the Perth River via Bettison Stream. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises above Bettison Stream in approximately two kilometres, and above St Winifred Glacier in one kilometre. The nearest higher neighbour is Mount D'Archiac, 4.6 km to the southwest. The first ascent of the summit was made in February 1925 by Jack Lippe and Will Kennedy.

Etymology

The mountain was originally named Mount Tyndall by Julius von Haast, but this toponym was transferred to another peak. The present name honours Gordon Hurrell Morland McClure, a local surveyor who worked in this area during the late 1880s.

Climbing

Climbing routes with the first ascents:

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, McClure Peak is located in a marine west coast climate zone, with a tundra 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 drop in the form of rain or snow. This climate supports the St Winifred and Godley glaciers surrounding this mountain's slopes. The months of December through February offer the most favourable weather for viewing or climbing this peak.