Rob Roy Peak


Rob Roy Peak is a mountain in Otago, New Zealand.

Description

Rob Roy Peak is located in the Southern Alps of the South Island. It is also within Mount Aspiring National Park which is part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Site. Precipitation runoff from the mountain's slopes drains to the Matukituki River. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises above the west branch of this river in four kilometres, and above Rob Roy Stream in two kilometres. The nearest higher neighbour is Mount Aspiring / Tititea, seven kilometres to the north. Rob Roy Peak was named after Scottish folk hero Rob Roy MacGregor. This mountain's toponym has been officially approved by the New Zealand Geographic Board. The first ascent of the summit was made on 2 March 1935.

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Rob Roy 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. This climate supports the Maud Francis Glacier and Rob Roy Glacier on the mountain's slopes. The months of December through February offer the most favourable weather for viewing or climbing this peak.

Climbing

Climbing routes with first ascents:
  • South Ridge / Rob Roy Glacier – Ernie Smith, Monty McClymont, Cedric Benzoni, Bob Fullerton, George Palmer, Don Divers, Russell Edwards, George Edwards, and Gordon Edwards –
  • North Ridge – Paul Powell, Frank Cooper –
  • East Ridge – Tony Bowden, Graham Bishop –
  • From Aspiring Hut – Don Morrison, Peter Child –
  • South Face Original Line – Bob Cunninghame, Limbo Thompson, Pete Glasson –
  • South East Corner – Pete Moore –
  • North Face – Bruce Robertson, Laurie Kennedy –
  • A Couple of Days – Dave Vass, Allan Uren –
  • South West Ridge – Phil Penney, Simon Harris –
  • The Zone – Craig Jefferies, Steve Moffat, Gareth Sharp –
  • North West Ridge – FA unknown
  • North East Face – FA unknown