Southern Alps

mountain range on the South Island in New Zealand

The Southern Alps is a mountain range in New Zealand. The mountain range runs along the entire length of the South Island.

Southern Alps / Kā Tiritiri o te Moana
Snow highlights the mountain range in this satellite image
Highest point
PeakAoraki / Mount Cook
Elevation3,724 m (12,218 ft)
Coordinates43°35′44.69″S 170°8′27.75″E / 43.5957472°S 170.1410417°E / -43.5957472; 170.1410417
Dimensions
Length500 km (310 mi)
Geography
LocationSouth Island, New Zealand
Range coordinates43°30′S 170°30′E / 43.500°S 170.500°E / -43.500; 170.500

The tallest peak of the Southern Alps is Aoraki / Mount Cook which stands at 3,754 metres (12,316 ft).[1] The mountain range was named on March 23, 1770 by Captain James Cook. He described the Southern Alps as being very high.[2]

References

change
  1. "Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park". Department of Conservation. Retrieved 2013-12-11.
  2. Reed, A.W. Place names of New Zealand. p. 384.