Location and surroundings
Albert Peak is a hill located in New Zealand on the South Island. Its hierarchical placement runs through the Southern Alps, the Main Divide of The Southern Alps, and finally the Mcbride Peaks. Administratively, it lies within the Fiordland Community municipality, the Southland District, and the Southland region in Oceania. Within the Mcbride Peaks, it ranks as the highest of 19 named peaks. The surrounding landscape features rugged alpine terrain defined by neighboring passes, ridges, and neighboring summits.
Neighbouring peaks
The immediate vicinity of Albert Peak includes several nearby summits and mountain passes:
- Betty Peak (hill), 2,300 m, 0.5 km NW
- Glacier Col (mountain pass), 2,035 m, 0.7 km E
- Possibility Col (mountain pass), 1,889 m, 1.1 km N
- Gino Peak (hill), 2,180 m, 1.2 km E
- Hedin Peak (hill), 2,043 m, 1.7 km SE
- Watkins (hill), 2,218 m, 2.0 km E
- Stefansson Peak (hill), 2,215 m, 2.2 km E
- Desperation Pass (mountain pass), 2,043 m, 2.4 km E
Standing at 2,353 m, Albert Peak surpasses all of these immediate neighbors in elevation, serving as the highest point among the 19 named peaks in its immediate range.
The view from the summit
From the summit of Albert Peak, observers can spot several major mountain giants within a 25 km radius. The highest peaks within this distance include Mount Earnslaw at 2,830 m situated 15.1 km S, Mount Edward at 2,620 m located 20.1 km E, and Sir William Peak at 2,610 m lying 12.0 km SE. Additionally, Mount Head reaches 2,585 m at 10.1 km SE, Maori stands at 2,535 m positioned 22.9 km E, and Mount Lydia rises to 2,517 m at 14.0 km E.
The range
Albert Peak belongs to the Mcbride Peaks, which are part of the Main Divide of The Southern Alps, the Southern Alps, the South Island, and New Zealand. The range encompasses 19 named peaks in total. Within this specific range, Albert Peak holds the rank of the highest point, with the high point of the range residing right here at the summit elevation of 2,353 m.
Climate and weather
Climate figures for the summit are estimates derived from NASA POWER climate data covering the years 2001 through 2020, with temperatures adjusted specifically to the summit elevation. The mean temperature at the summit reaches its warmest in January at about 1 °C and its coldest in June at about -1 °C. Months with a mean above freezing at the summit include January, February, March, and April. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 2,150 mm per year, with January being the wettest month at about 200 mm and February the driest at about 155 mm.
Best time to visit
Based on the summit climate data, the months with a mean temperature above freezing—January, February, March, and April—offer the most favorable thermal conditions for visiting Albert Peak. During these months, the mean temperature rises above freezing, peaking in January at about 1 °C. Precipitation remains present throughout the year with an annual total of about 2,150 mm, and February records the lowest monthly precipitation at about 155 mm, making it a relatively drier window for outdoor activities.
Nature and wildlife
The landscape around Albert Peak is characterized by high alpine conditions typical of the region on the South Island. Vegetation adapts to cold, windy conditions at 2,353 m, giving way to sparse alpine flora. The mountain is situated within protected areas, specifically Mount Aspiring National Park and the Te Wāhipounamu - South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, which help preserve the natural environment and local wildlife habitats.
Practical tips
A visit to Albert Peak requires proper preparation for alpine conditions, including sturdy footwear suitable for rock and potential mud, as well as windproof layers to counter summit weather. Because the area lies within Mount Aspiring National Park and the Te Wāhipounamu - South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, visitors should keep to established paths to protect the fragile protected environment. In case of emergencies, the national emergency number is 111, where callers can ask for Police who coordinate land search and rescue.
Interesting facts
Albert Peak is notable for being the highest of 19 named peaks in the Mcbride Peaks range. Rising to 2,353 m, it serves as the high point of its range. Its closest neighbour is Betty Peak, located just 0.5 km to the northwest at an elevation of 2,300 m. The mountain is positioned within the Fiordland Community municipality, the Southland District, and the Southland region.
FAQ
How high is Albert Peak? Albert Peak reaches an elevation of 2,353 m.
Where is Albert Peak located? It is located in New Zealand on the South Island, within the Southland region and Southland District, inside the Fiordland Community municipality.
What range does Albert Peak belong to? It belongs to the Mcbride Peaks, part of the Main Divide of The Southern Alps, the Southern Alps, and New Zealand.
What is the view from the summit? On clear days, the view includes nearby giants such as Mount Earnslaw, Mount Edward, Sir William Peak, Mount Head, Maori, and Mount Lydia.
What hills and passes are closest to Albert Peak? The nearest features include Betty Peak at 0.5 km NW, Glacier Col at 0.7 km E, Possibility Col at 1.1 km N, and Gino Peak at 1.2 km E.
What is the mobile phone coverage like? 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.