Mount Gifford

Mount Gifford is a mountain in Fiordland, New Zealand.

Description

Mount Gifford 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. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains to the Hollyford River via Moraine Creek and Caples Creek. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises above the Hollyford Valley in three kilometres and above Caples Creek in one kilometre.

History

The mountain was named in 1939 by Dr. L. Stewart to honour Algernon Charles Gifford, an astronomer, explorer and teacher. The toponym has been officially approved by the New Zealand Geographic Board. The first ascent of the summit was made in October 1955 by Alistair McDonald and Ken Hamilton via the North East Ridge.

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Mount Gifford is located in a marine west coast climate zone. Prevailing westerly winds blow moist air from the Tasman Sea onto the mountain, where the air is forced upward by the mountains, causing moisture to drop in the form of rain and snow. The months of December through February offer the most favourable weather for viewing or climbing this peak.