Pluto Peak
Pluto Peak is a mountain in Otago, New Zealand.
Description
Pluto Peak is located 26 kilometres north of Glenorchy, New Zealand, in the Southern Alps of the South Island. It is set within Mount Aspiring National Park which is part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Site. The peak is part of the Forbes Mountains which are a subrange of the Southern Alps. Precipitation runoff from the mountain's slopes drains to the Dart [River / Te Awa Whakatipu]. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises above the Dart Valley in three kilometres. The nearest higher neighbour is Mount Earnslaw, 1.35 kilometres to the southeast. This mountain's toponym has been officially approved by the New Zealand Geographic Board.Climate
Based on the Köppen climate classification, Pluto 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 mountain, where the air is forced upwards 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.Climbing
The first ascent of the summit was made in December 1931 by J.A. Sim, V.J. Leader, and K. Grinling.Climbing routes:
- North West Face – J.A. Sim, V.J. Leader, K. Grinling –
- South Buttress – Russell Braddock, L. Braddock –