Location and surroundings
Mount Anglem belongs to the New Zealand > Stewart Island > Mount Anglem range hierarchy and is the high point of that range. It is in New Zealand, in the Southland region, under Southland District and the Stewart Island / Rakiura Community municipality. At 980 m, it is the highest of the seven named peaks in its range.
The mountain rises from a remote island landscape rather than a long alpine chain. Around it are low hills, boggy ground, forest, and coastal drainage toward the north and south. The terrain is typical of Stewart Island: damp, uneven, and often soft underfoot, with open sections on higher ground and thicker vegetation lower down.
Neighbouring peaks
The closest named summits and passes around Mount Anglem are:
- Mount Anglem/Hananui (hill), 895 m, 0.5 km northwest
- Little Mount Anglem (hill), 498 m, 4.0 km southeast
- The Paps (hill), 610 m, 9.4 km southeast
- Paps (peak), 498 m, 12.4 km south
- Upper Island Hill (hill), 27 m, 12.7 km southwest
- Benson Peak (hill), 229 m, 13.6 km southwest
- Rocky Mountain (hill), 549 m, 13.7 km south
- Red Head Peak (peak), 510 m, 15.2 km west
These neighbours are much lower than Mount Anglem, which dominates the northern part of the island. The nearest named feature is the 895 m Mount Anglem/Hananui hill just 0.5 km away to the northwest.
The view from the summit
Within 25 km, the highest nearby peaks are all on Stewart Island / Rakiura. Rakeahua reaches 681 m and lies 22.7 km to the south. Pryse Peak is 352 m high, 23.2 km south, and Walkers Cone is 382 m high, 24.9 km south. Garden Mound lies 20.9 km southeast at 164 m, while Big Sandhill is 156 m high and 23.0 km southwest.
From the summit, the outlook is over the island’s interior and toward the coast. On a clear day, the southern tip of the South Island can be seen. The view is broad rather than alpine, with low relief, forested slopes, and wet flats stretching away from the peak.
The range
Mount Anglem is the highest point of the Mount Anglem range, which is part of the wider New Zealand > Stewart Island > Mount Anglem hierarchy. The range has seven named peaks, and Mount Anglem ranks first among them. No other country is involved; the range lies entirely in New Zealand.
The mountain is the range high point, so it is the main summit for anyone exploring this part of Stewart Island. Its position near the north coast makes it a key landmark for the island’s northern uplands, even though the surrounding hills are modest in height compared with mainland alpine ranges.
Climate and weather
Climate estimates from NASA POWER suggest that the summit is cool but above freezing all year. The warmest month is January, at about 8 °C, and the coldest is June, at about 5 °C. Around the mountain, annual precipitation is about 1,250 mm; January is the wettest month at about 115 mm, and August the driest at about 90 mm.
The main weather issues are frequent rain, wind, and slippery ground. Even in summer, the summit stays cool, and cloud can build quickly over the island. Wet tracks, saturated peat, and poor visibility are common concerns, so waterproof clothing and careful route-finding matter more than altitude alone.
Best time to visit
All months are above freezing at the summit, but the more comfortable window is usually the warmer part of the year, when daylight is longer and temperatures are a little higher. For Mount Anglem, that means late spring through early autumn is generally the better period for a visit. Even then, conditions can stay damp and change quickly.
The drier months are around August, with January the wettest month. Because the summit remains cool year-round, visitors should still expect wind, rain, and muddy ground outside the driest spells. Good weather windows are useful, but they do not remove the need for warm layers and waterproof gear.
Nature and wildlife
Mount Anglem lies inside Rakiura National Park, so the surrounding landscape is protected. The mountain area is typical of Stewart Island: forested slopes, wet hollows, and open uplands with moss, scrub, and boggy ground. Lower down, dense native vegetation is common, while higher sections become more exposed and wind-pruned.
Wildlife in this part of New Zealand often includes native birds, forest species, and coastal life nearby, with the island known for its quiet, remote character. The mix of forest and wetland makes the area important for habitat as well as recreation, and visitors should stay on marked routes where possible to reduce damage to soft ground.
Guides and organised ascents
For a mountain like Mount Anglem, a certified guide is usually not essential for experienced hikers in settled weather, but it can be useful if you are unfamiliar with Stewart Island’s wet terrain, navigation, or rapidly changing conditions. In New Zealand, the national guide association is the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association, which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national alpine club is the New Zealand Alpine Club.
Visitors looking for organised mountain travel in New Zealand often turn to companies such as Alpine Guides Aoraki and Adventure Consultants, both established in the country’s mountains. A guided trip usually includes route planning, safety decisions, and equipment advice; the cost depends on trip length, group size, hut nights, and gear needs.
Safety and preparation
Mount Anglem calls for steady hillwalking fitness, waterproof clothing, and good navigation skills. The ground can be wet and uneven, and the weather can turn quickly even though the summit is not very high. Carry enough food, warm layers, and a map or GPS, and be ready for slower progress than the distance alone suggests.
For mountain rescue in New Zealand, the emergency number is 111. Ask for Police, who coordinate land search and rescue. On mobiles, 112 and 911 redirect to 111. Download maps before setting out, because coverage in remote parts of Stewart Island can be unreliable.
History and name
The mountain’s English name was given in 1850 by Captain John Lort Stokes, who named it for Captain William Andrew Anglem. The official name was later changed to Mount Anglem / Hananui after the Ngāi Tahu Claims Settlement Act 1998. The dual name reflects both the colonial naming history and the Māori name in current official use.
The mountain has long been a landmark on Stewart Island, and its position near the north coast made it a useful reference point for travel and mapping. Its summit also offers a wide view over the island, including inland flats and, in clear weather, the far south of the South Island.
Interesting facts
Mount Anglem is the highest of the seven named peaks in its range and the range high point. The nearest higher-looking feature in the local naming is the 895 m Mount Anglem/Hananui hill only 0.5 km away, but it is still lower than the summit. The mountain is also close enough to the coast that drainage splits north toward the Foveaux Strait and south toward the headwaters of the Freshwater River.
Another notable point is the summit view: on a clear day, the southern tip of the South Island can be seen. That makes Mount Anglem one of the best viewpoints on Stewart Island, even though the terrain around it is more forested and wet than alpine.
FAQ
How high is Mount Anglem? It rises to 980 m above sea level.
Where is Mount Anglem? It is on Stewart Island / Rakiura in Southland, New Zealand, about 20 km northwest of Oban.
What range is Mount Anglem part of? It belongs to the New Zealand > Stewart Island > Mount Anglem range hierarchy and is its highest point.
What are the nearest peaks to Mount Anglem? The closest named feature is Mount Anglem/Hananui at 895 m, 0.5 km northwest. Other nearby peaks include Little Mount Anglem, The Paps, and Rocky Mountain.
Is there water on the way to Mount Anglem? The slopes are wet and the area has streams, lakes, and boggy ground, but water should still be treated before drinking. Carry about 1.5-3 litres for a day, depending on heat and route length.
Are there huts on Mount Anglem? OpenStreetMap shows no hut or shelter within 2 km of the top, so hikers usually plan the ascent as a day trip or carry their own tent.
How long does it take to walk up Mount Anglem? Plan from the terrain and distance rather than a fixed schedule. The real path may be longer than a straight-line estimate from the start point.
Will my mobile phone work on Mount Anglem? Coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator. 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before setting out.