Somnus (mountain)

Somnus is a 2,293-metre-elevation (7,523-foot) mountain in Otago, New Zealand.

Somnus
North aspect
Highest point
Elevation	2,293 m (7,523 ft)[1][2][3]
Prominence	1,038 m (3,406 ft)[2]
Isolation	12.58 km (7.82 mi)[2]
Coordinates	44.664331°S 168.220897°E / -44.664331; 168.220897[2]
Naming
Etymology	Somnus
Geography
Somnus Location in New Zealand
Interactive map of Somnus
Location	South Island
Country	New Zealand
Region	Otago[4]
Protected area	Mount Aspiring National Park
Parent range	Southern Alps Humboldt Mountains[3]
Topo map(s)	NZMS260 E40[4] Topo50 CB09[3]
Climbing
Easiest route	South Ridge[3]

Description

Somnus is the second-highest peak in the Humboldt Mountains which are a subrange of the Southern Alps.^[3] It is set within Mount Aspiring National Park which is part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Site on the South Island. Precipitation runoff from the mountain's slopes drains east into Rock Burn and west to Route Burn which are both tributaries of the Dart River / Te Awa Whakatipu. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises 1,600 metres (5,249 feet) above Rock Burn in three kilometres, and 1,300 metres (4,265 feet) above the North Branch of Route Burn in two kilometres. This mountain is named for Somnus, the god of sleep in Roman mythology.^[4] Somnus is part of a region of peaks which share a mythology-related naming theme: Tantalus Peak, Poseidon Peak, Mount Chaos, Momus, and Nereus Peak.

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Somnus is located in a marine west coast climate zone.^[5] Prevailing westerly winds blow moist air from the Tasman Sea onto the mountain, where the air is forced upwards by the mountains (orographic lift), causing moisture to drop in the form of rain and snow. This climate supports an unnamed glacier on the south slope. The months of December through February offer the most favourable weather for viewing or climbing this peak.^[6]

Climbing

Climbing routes with first ascents:^[3]

• Somnus Couloir – F. Wright, J. Robertson – (1920)
• North East Buttress – Ben Dare – (2014)
• Somnthing (North East Face) – Penzy Dinsdale, Sooji Clarkson – (2024)
• Battle of the Somne (North East Face) – Ruari Macfarlane, Sooji Clarkson – (2024)
• South Ridge – FA unknown
• North Ridge – FA unknown

See also

• List of mountains of New Zealand by height