Mauka Atua is a mountain in the Canterbury Region of New Zealand.
Description Mauka Atua is located southwest of Christchurch and set between the Dobson Valley and Tasman Valley in the South Island. It is the highest peak in the Ben Ohau Range of the Southern Alps. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains east to Lake Pukaki and west into the Dobson River. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises above the Dobson Valley in four kilometres. The nearest higher peak is Mount Hopkins, 11 kilometres to the north-northwest. The mountain's name Mauka Atua means "to stand apart" in the Māori language and the toponym has been officially approved by the New Zealand Geographic Board.Mauka Atua, New Zealand Gazetteer, Retrieved 26 February 2025.
Climbing Climbing routes with first ascents:Mauka Atua, New Zealand Alpine Club, Climbnz.org, Retrieved 26 February 2025.
South Ridge – Norman Hardie – (1948) East Face – Ross Cullen – (March 1989) North Ridge – Hugh Nicholson – (January 1996)
Climate Based on the Köppen climate classification, Mauka Atua is located in a marine west coast (Cfb) climate zone,Christchurch Climate (New Zealand), climate-data.org, Retrieved 26 February 2025. with a subpolar oceanic climate (Cfc) at the summit. 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. 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 26 February 2025.
See also List of mountains of New Zealand by height
References
External links Mauka Atua: New Zealand Alpine Club Mauka Atua: weather