Te ao Whekere is a mountain on the South Island of New Zealand.
Description Te ao Whekere is set in the Canterbury Region of the South Island. It is located 23 kilometres north of the town of Kaikōura where it ranks as the second-highest peak of the Seaward Kaikōura Range. Precipitation runoff from the mountain's slopes drains into tributaries of the Waiau Toa / Clarence River. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises above Happy Valley Stream in two kilometres. The nearest higher neighbour is Manakau, 7.72 kilometres to the southwest. One possible interpretation of the mountain's Māori name is a cloud that forms on the mountain indicating the presence of a northwest wind. Another meaning is "the gloomy cloud,"New Zealand, James Cowan, J. Mackay, government printer, 1908, p. 202. or "the very dark cloud."A Dictionary of the Maori Language, Herbert William Williams, M. F. Marks, government printer, 1917, p. 14, 579.
Climate Based on the Köppen climate classification, Te ao Whekere is located in a marine west coast climate zone (Cfb).Te Anau Climate (New Zealand), climate-data.org, Retrieved 29 January 2025. 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. The months of December through February offer the most favourable weather for viewing or climbing this peak.The Best Time to Visit the South Island, nzpocketguide.com, Retrieved 29 January 2025.
Climbing Climbing routes:Te Ao Whekere, New Zealand Alpine Club, Climbnz.org, Retrieved 29 January 2025.
Jordan Stream Route Totaranui Route Happy Valley Route Haycock Ridge
Gallery
See also List of mountains of New Zealand by height
References
External links Te ao Whekere: weather Te ao Whekere: New Zealand Alpine Club