Mount Acland

Mount Acland is a mountain in the Canterbury Region of New Zealand.

Description

Mount Acland is situated at the northern end of the Liebig Range in the Southern Alps. It is located west of the city of Christchurch in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park on the South Island. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains west to the Murchison River and east to the Godley River. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises above the Godley Valley in 2.5 kilometres. The nearest higher peak is Mount Mannering, four kilometres to the northwest. The first ascent of the summit was made on 10 March 1914 by Otto Frind and Conrad Kain via the Aida Glacier.

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Mount Acland 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 Aida Glacier on this mountain's west slope. The months of December through February offer the most favourable weather for viewing or climbing this peak.