Location and surroundings
Mount Burn is situated in New Zealand on the South Island. Within the country's regional administrative structure, it lies in the Tasman District and the Tasman region. The mountain is part of the Emily Range, which belongs to the Main Divide of The Southern Alps within the Southern Alps. Rising to an elevation of 2,145 metres, it holds the position of the highest peak among the 10 named summits in the Emily Range. The surrounding landscape is characterised by rugged alpine terrain typical of the region, featuring steep slopes and wide valleys spreading across the district.
Neighbouring peaks
The vicinity of Mount Burn includes several other hills and peaks of varying elevations and distances. The surrounding landscape features the following nearby summits and passes:
- Mount Maling (hill), 2,127 m, 4.5 km SW
- Hill Forty (hill), 1,456 m, 4.5 km S
- Emily Peaks (hill), 2,028 m, 6.5 km N
- Mount Maling (peak), 1,841 m, 6.9 km SW
- Faerie Queene (hill), 1,750 m, 7.5 km SE
- Gloriana Peak (hill), 2,218 m, 7.9 km S
- Faerie Queene (peak), 2,236 m, 8.3 km SE
- Mount Una (hill), 2,078 m, 8.8 km E
Standing at 2,145 metres, Mount Burn surpasses most of these immediate neighbours, though it is slightly lower than nearby Gloriana Peak and the higher points situated further out.
The view from the summit
From the summit of Mount Burn, observers can look out over the surrounding alpine landscape and spot several higher peaks situated within a 25-kilometre radius. The highest peaks within this range include Mount Franklyn at 2,340 metres located 23.8 km to the northeast, and Mount McKay at 2,300 metres standing 24.7 km to the northeast. Other prominent giants in the wider view are Mount Ella at 2,263 metres at a distance of 15.4 km to the northeast, Duessa Peak at 2,233 metres lying 9.4 km to the east, Mount Paske at 2,216 metres positioned 25.0 km to the northeast, and Mount Humboldt at 2,206 metres situated 11.6 km to the east. These surrounding summits dominate the broader horizon across the region.
The range
Mount Burn is part of the Emily Range, which is one of the component ranges of the Main Divide of The Southern Alps within the wider Southern Alps on the South Island of New Zealand. The Emily Range contains a total of 10 named peaks, among which Mount Burn stands as the highest point. The range itself is nested within the massive backbone of the country's southern mountain system, contributing to the extensive alpine topography of the Tasman region.
Climate and weather
The climate data for the summit of Mount Burn are estimates derived from NASA POWER climate statistics covering the period from 2001 to 2020, with temperatures adjusted to the summit elevation of 2,145 metres. The mean temperature at the summit reaches its warmest in February at about 5 °C and its coldest in July at about -2 °C. Mean temperatures remain above freezing at the summit during January, February, March, April, May, November, and December. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 1,500 mm annually, with December experiencing the wettest conditions at about 150 mm of precipitation, while February is the driest month, recording about 90 mm.
Best time to visit
The optimal months to visit Mount Burn correspond to the period when summit temperatures rise above freezing, spanning from November through May. During these warmer months, specifically in February when the mean temperature reaches its peak of about 5 °C, conditions are generally more favourable for accessing the higher terrain. Precipitation varies throughout the year, with February being the driest month with about 90 mm of rain or snow, making it a preferable window compared to the wetter months like December, which records about 150 mm of precipitation within the surrounding area.
Nature and wildlife
The environment around Mount Burn features the rugged and demanding terrain typical of the high alpine zones in New Zealand. Vegetation at these elevations is sparse, often limited to resilient alpine herbs, tussock grasses, and low-growing shrubs adapted to cold temperatures, strong winds, and heavy winter snowpacks. Wildlife in these mountainous regions generally includes native bird species adapted to alpine habitats and various introduced mammals common to the country's high country. Visitors traversing the rocky slopes and ridgelines should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions and exposed terrain.
Practical tips
A walk or climb in this alpine area requires proper preparation and gear suited for rugged mountain environments. Walkers should wear sturdy footwear suitable for rocky terrain and potential mud, and carry windproof layers to protect against sudden weather changes on exposed ridges. In warm months, ticks may be encountered in areas where they occur, so appropriate checks are advised. Walkers should always stay on established paths where present to protect fragile vegetation. In the event of an emergency, the national emergency number is 111, where callers should ask for Police, who coordinate land search and rescue operations. Mobile phones can also dial 112 or 911, which redirect to 111.
Interesting facts
Mount Burn holds the distinction of being the highest of 10 named peaks within the Emily Range, making it the high point of that specific range. Its nearest higher peak is Gloriana Peak, which rises to 2,218 metres and is located 7.9 kilometres to the south. The hill is situated entirely within the Tasman District on the South Island of New Zealand, contributing to the distinct geography of the Tasman administrative area.
FAQ
How high is Mount Burn? Mount Burn has an elevation of 2,145 metres.
Where is Mount Burn located? It is located in New Zealand, on the South Island, within the Tasman District and Tasman region, and forms the highest point of the Emily Range.
What are the nearest peaks to Mount Burn? The nearest peaks and passes include Mount Maling (hill) at 4.5 km SW, Hill Forty at 4.5 km S, and Emily Peaks at 6.5 km N.
What is the view like from the summit? On a clear day, the view includes several higher peaks within 25 km, such as Mount Franklyn, Mount McKay, Mount Ella, Duessa Peak, Mount Paske, and Mount Humboldt.
What is the climate like on the summit? Based on NASA POWER estimates, the mean temperature is warmest in February at about 5 °C and coldest in July at about -2 °C, with annual precipitation in the area around 1,500 mm.
What is the emergency number to call from the mountain? The national emergency number is 111; ask for Police, who coordinate land search and rescue. 112 and 911 will also redirect to 111 on mobile phones.
Is there mobile phone coverage on Mount Burn? Coverage around the summit depends on the operator and is patchy in valleys and behind ridges. Download maps before setting out; the emergency number 111 reaches rescue services over any available network.