Mount Sefton, Mountain summit in the Southern Alps, New Zealand

Mount Sefton is a rock pyramid within the Southern Alps that dominates the surrounding landscape with its steep sides. Glaciers cling to its southeastern face while other ice formations occupy the lower valleys nearby.

Edward FitzGerald reached the summit with guide Matthias Zurbriggen shortly after Christmas 1894, the first recorded climb. Geologist Julius von Haast had named the mountain after William Sefton Moorhouse, second Superintendent of Canterbury Province.

The Māori name Maukatua translates as 'mountain of the gods'. The peak is also known as Kakīroa. These names are recorded alongside the English name given by geologist Julius von Haast after William Sefton Moorhouse, second Superintendent of Canterbury Province.

Visitors need advanced mountaineering skills and experience navigating snow and ice to climb safely here. Planning a guided expedition well ahead is essential, as is having proper gear for alpine conditions.

The Douglas River, formerly the Twain River, rises on Mount Sefton's slopes. The mountain's Māori name, Maukatua, means 'mountain of the gods'. Geologist Julius von Haast named it after William Sefton Moorhouse, the second Superintendent of Canterbury Province.