Cecil Peak

Cecil Peak rises to 1,978 meters above Lake Wakatipu and stands as a significant geographical feature in New Zealand's Southern Alps. The mountain defines the landscape around Queenstown with its steep slopes and prominent shape, visible from many viewpoints across the region.

Surveyor James McKerrow named the mountain in 1862 after William Rees' eldest son, establishing it as an important landmark for early settlers navigating the region. This naming reflects the peak's role in the early days of European exploration and settlement around Queenstown.

The mountain carries its Māori name Kā Kamu-a-Hakitekura, shared with the neighboring Walter Peak, which shows the deep connection between indigenous people and this landscape. This cultural layer becomes visible as you move through the area and learn about those who knew these peaks long before modern settlement.

The hike to the summit takes about six hours for a round trip starting from the Remarkables Ski Area trailhead. The route is demanding and requires good fitness, so starting early and checking weather conditions beforehand are important considerations.

A local band performed Pink Floyd songs in a natural rock formation on the mountain slopes during March 2010. This unexpected musical event at this remote location shows how creatively people use the mountain.