Avalanche Peak (New Zealand) Explained
Avalanche Peak is a peak in the Arthur's Pass National Park in New Zealand. It is subject to avalanches in the winter, hence its name. Avalanche Peak has sheer drops of around at the peak of the mountain and therefore is not recommended in icy or windy weather.[1]
Avalanche Peak Track
The Department of Conservation maintains two one-day tramping routes up to the summit, the Avalanche Peak Route and Scotts Route, both starting and easily accessible from Arthur's Pass village. It is the only poled summit route in the area. The peak is one of the most popular summer tramping routes in Arthur's Pass, offering views of several mountain ranges in the park on a clear day.[2] [3] [4] It is also a popular place for kea.[5]
There is an annual mountain run, the Avalanche Peak Challenge, which crosses the peak.[6] [7]
Since 1933 there have been several reported fatalities of people attempting the peak.[1]
References
-42.9448°N 171.5357°W
Notes and References
- Web site: Avalanche Peak via Scotts Track . Wilderness Mag . 31 December 2023 . 19 March 2020 . 28 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220628131718/https://www.wildernessmag.co.nz/trip/avalanche-peak-via-scotts-track-arthurs-pass-national-park/ . live .
- Web site: Avalanche Peak Route . . 31 December 2023 . 31 October 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211031154547/https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/canterbury/places/arthurs-pass-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/avalanche-peak-route/ . live .
- Web site: Caldwell . Olivia . Southern Stays: Slowing down to enjoy the view up Avalanche Peak . . 31 December 2023 . 10 May 2018 . 8 October 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181008075753/https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/christchurch-life/103730719/southern-stays-slowing-down-to-enjoy-the-view-up-avalanche-peak . live .
- Web site: Top 11 national parks in New Zealand . . 31 December 2023 . 28 April 2021 . More challenging, full-day options include the Bealey Spur track and the classic summit hike to Avalanche Peak. . 29 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230129171207/https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-national-parks-new-zealand . live .
- Web site: Avalanche Peak Route Guide . . 31 December 2023 . 25 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230325065557/https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/canterbury/arthurs-pass-route-guides/avalanche-peak-route-guide.pdf . live .
- Web site: Chris Cox . Avalanchepeak.co.nz . 18 June 2015 . 26 June 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140626081950/http://www.avalanchepeak.co.nz/ . live .
- News: van Beynen . Martin . Avalanche Peak race off due to falling numbers and safety issues . 31 December 2023 . . 5 January 2016.
