Sabre Peak


Sabre Peak is a mountain in Fiordland, New Zealand.

Description

Sabre Peak 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. The peak is considered by some to be New Zealand's best rock-climbing peak, with the routes on the South Face among the best. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains to the Hollyford River via Marian Creek, Moraine Creek, and Caples Creek. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises over above Lake Mariana in less than one kilometre, and above Lake Adelaide in two kilometres. The nearest higher neighbour is Mount Crosscut, 2.27 kilometres to the south.

History

The first ascent of the summit was made in December 1954 by Bryce Wood, Dal Ryan, and Bill Gordon. The peak's descriptive name was applied by Bryce Wood and the toponym has been officially approved by the New Zealand Geographic Board.

Climbing

Climbing routes with the first ascents:

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Sabre Peak 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. This climate supports glacierets on the high ridge connecting Sabre with Mount Gunn. The months of December through February offer the most favourable weather for viewing or climbing this peak.