Mount Wilson is a mountain in the Canterbury Region of New Zealand.
Description Mount Wilson is located northwest of Christchurch in Arthur's Pass National Park in the South Island. It is the highest peak in the Polar Range of the Southern Alps. Precipitation runoff from the mountain's east slope drains to the Hawdon River via Sudden Valley Stream, whereas all other slopes drain to the Edwards River. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises above the Edwards Valley in 1.6 kilometres. The nearest higher peak is Mount Oates, 3.4 kilometres to the northwest.
Climbing The first ascent of the summit was made in December 1930 by Evan Wilson and Andy Anderson via Upper Edwards Valley.Mt Wilson, New Zealand Alpine Club, Climbnz.org, Retrieved 2 March 2025.
Climbing routes:
Via Upper Edwards Valley South East Ridge Via Hawdon Hut Via Sudden Valley Stream
Climate Based on the Köppen climate classification, Mount Wilson is located in a marine west coast (Cfb) climate zone, with a subpolar oceanic climate (Cfc) at the summit.Christchurch Climate (New Zealand), climate-data.org, Retrieved 2 March 2025. 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 2 March 2025.
Gallery
See also List of mountains of New Zealand by height
References
External links Mount Wilson: New Zealand Alpine Club Mount Wilson: weather