Lendenfeld Peak

Lendenfeld Peak rises to 3,194 meters and ranks among the highest mountains in New Zealand's Southern Alps. The summit sits within Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and requires technical climbing skills to reach.

Alex Graham and Henry Newton completed the first documented ascent to the summit in 1907. This early success marked an important moment in exploring the region's alpine terrain.

The peak carries the name of Robert Lendlmayer von Lendenfeld, an Austrian scientist who studied deep-sea life. The name honors his contributions to zoological research from the 1890s.

Most climbers use Pioneer Hut at 2,380 meters as the starting point and reach it by helicopter or ski plane from Mount Cook Village. Weather at this elevation changes rapidly, so you should prepare for extreme alpine conditions.

The Aurora Australis route on the north face combines steep ice pitches that climb above glacier terrain. This mix of ice and snow climbing demands specialized technique and gear.

Location: Mackenzie District

Location: Westland District

Elevation above the sea: 3,194 m

GPS coordinates: -43.55982,170.16964

Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:32