Taiaha Peak

Taiaha Peak is a 2,241-metre-elevation (7,352-foot) mountain in the Canterbury Region of New Zealand.

Taiaha Peak
South aspect
Highest point
Elevation	2,241 m (7,352 ft)[1][2]
Prominence	341 m (1,119 ft)[2]
Isolation	3.51 km (2.18 mi)[2]
Coordinates	43.95635°S 169.78665°E / -43.95635; 169.78665[1]
Naming
Etymology	Taiaha
Geography
Taiaha Peak Location in New Zealand
Interactive map of Taiaha Peak
Location	South Island
Country	New Zealand
Region	Canterbury
Parent range	Southern Alps Elcho–Huxley Mountains[3]
Topo map	Topo50 BY14[3]
Geology
Rock age	Permian to Triassic[4]
Rock type	Semischist of Rakaia Terrane[4]
Climbing
First ascent	1939

Description

Taiaha Peak is located 120 kilometres (75 mi) southwest of Christchurch in the South Island. It is set in the Elcho–Huxley Mountains of the Southern Alps.^[3] Precipitation runoff from the mountain's west slope drains into the headwaters of the North Branch of the Huxley River, whereas all other slopes drain into Thar and Paradise creeks which are tributaries of the Hopkins River. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises 980 metres (3,215 feet) above Paradise Creek in one kilometre, and 1,580 metres (5,184 feet) above the Hopkins Valley in three kilometres. The nearest higher peak is Boanerges, 3.5 kilometres to the south-southwest.^[2] The mountain's toponym is from the Māori language: the Taiaha is a traditional weapon of the Māori, and this peak's summit has a prominent spear-like shape.^[5][3]

Climbing

Climbing routes with first ascents:^[3]

• North West Face – O. Cantwell, Phil Cook, Frank Newmarch, R. Smith – (April 1939)
• South East Face – Ron Smoothy, Ellen Smoothy, Roger Thomson – (January 1983)
• West Ridge – Rob Battersby, Hamish Dunn – (March 1994)
• Via Paradise Valley – Thomas Evans, Jackson Green – (June 2004)
• I've found Cod – Paul Hersey, Graham Zimmerman – (September 2006)
• East Ridge – Shelly Graham, Graham Zimmerman – (April 2007)

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Taiaha Peak is located in a marine west coast (Cfb) climate zone, with a subpolar oceanic climate (Cfc) at the summit.^[6] Prevailing westerly winds blow moist air from the Tasman Sea onto the mountains, where the air is forced upwards by the mountains (orographic lift), causing moisture to drop in the form of rain or snow. This climate supports a glacieret on the northwest slope of this peak. The months of December through February offer the most favourable weather for viewing or climbing this peak.^[7]

See also

• List of mountains of New Zealand by height