Dilemma Peak

Dilemma Peak is a 2,602-metre-elevation (8,537-foot) mountain in the West Coast Region of New Zealand.

Dilemma Peak
North aspect
Highest point
Elevation	2,602 m (8,537 ft)[1]
Prominence	410 m (1,345 ft)[1]
Isolation	2.06 km (1.28 mi)[1]
Listing	Highest mountains of New Zealand
Coordinates	43°37′31″S 170°05′21″E[1]
Naming
Etymology	Dilemma
Geography
Dilemma Peak Location in New Zealand
Interactive map of Dilemma Peak
Location	South Island
Country	New Zealand
Region	West Coast
Protected area	Westland Tai Poutini National Park
Parent range	Southern Alps Banks Range[2]
Topo map(s)	NZMS260 H36[3] Topo50 BX15
Climbing
First ascent	March 1914

Description

Dilemma Peak is situated along the crest or Main Divide of the Southern Alps and set in the West Coast Region of South Island. It is located 12 kilometres north of Mount Cook Village and set along the boundary that Westland Tai Poutini National Park shares with Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains north into the Strauchon River, south into the headwaters of Copland River, and east to the Hooker River. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises 1,200 metres (3,937 feet) above the Strauchon Glacier in one kilometre. The nearest higher peak is La Perouse, 2.66 kilometres to the north.^[1] The first ascent of the summit was made on 27 March 1914 by Tom Fyfe and Conrad Kain.^[4] The lower 2,594-meter east peak was first climbed in January 1914 by Hugh Chambers, Peter Graham, and Dorothy Holdsworth.^[2][5]

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Dilemma Peak is located in a marine west coast (Cfb) climate zone, with a tundra climate at the summit.^[6] Prevailing westerly winds blow moist air from the Tasman Sea onto the mountains, where the air is forced upward by the mountains (orographic lift), causing moisture to drop in the form of rain or snow. This climate supports the Copland and other small unnamed glaciers on this mountain's slopes. The months of December through February offer the most favourable weather for viewing or climbing this peak.^[7]

Climbing

Climbing routes with first ascents:^[2]

• Standard Route – Tom Fyfe, Conrad Kain – (1914)
• Carter-Gough – Brian Carter, Peter Gough – (1973)
• Strauchon Face Direct – Fred From, Murray Judge, Nic Kagan – (1978)
• Misty Mountain Hop – John Goulstone, Mike Rockell – (1983)
• Compressor Route – Peter Dickson – (1991)

See also

• List of mountains of New Zealand by height