Location and surroundings
The geographical hierarchy places Mount McKerrow within New Zealand, the South Island, the Southern Alps, the Main Divide of The Southern Alps, and specifically the Mount Ward Range. Administratively, it lies within the Westland District of the West Coast region. Standing at 2,650 metres, it is the highest of 56 named peaks in its range and holds the 98th rank by elevation among all named peaks in the country. The surrounding landscape is characterized by high alpine terrain within the Continent of Oceania.
Neighbouring peaks
The immediate vicinity features several passes and neighbouring heights. The nearest points of interest include:
- Mockery Col, a mountain pass at 2,099 m, located 1.0 km SW.
- Black Tower Peak, a hill at 2,573 m, located 1.2 km E.
- Mount Arthur, a hill at 2,219 m, located 1.3 km SW.
- Hope Col, a mountain pass at 2,440 m, located 1.4 km E.
- Mount McKerrow (peak), at 2,164 m, located 1.5 km SW.
- Mount Hopkins, a peak at 2,678 m, located 1.7 km E.
- Mount Sinclair, a hill at 2,238 m, located 1.7 km SW.
- Faith Col, a mountain pass at 1,514 m, located 2.7 km SE.
Among these, Mount Hopkins at 1.7 km to the east is the nearest higher peak at 2,678 metres.
The view from the summit
From the high elevation of Mount McKerrow, several major mountain giants are visible in the surrounding area within a 25-kilometre radius. To the northeast, Mount Sefton reaches 3,151 m at a distance of 14.3 km, La Perouse stands at 3,078 m and 24.1 km away, and Nazomi rises to 2,925 m at 24.6 km. Other notable peaks in view include Mount Ward at 2,645 m situated 12.3 km to the southwest, Vampire at 2,645 m located 6.8 km to the northeast, and Mount Dechen reaching 2,643 m at a distance of 15.1 km to the west.
The range
Mount McKerrow is part of the Mount Ward Range, which forms a subdivision within the Main Divide of The Southern Alps, the Southern Alps, the South Island, and New Zealand. The range contains 56 named peaks in total, with Mount McKerrow proudly standing as its highest point. The nearest higher summit overall is Mount Hopkins, located 1.7 kilometres to the east at 2,678 metres.
Climate and weather
The climate data consists of estimates from NASA POWER covering monthly means from 2001 to 2020, with temperatures adjusted specifically to the summit elevation. The mean temperature at the top reaches its warmest in January at about 1 °C and its coldest in June at about -5 °C. Months with a mean temperature above freezing at the summit are limited to January and February. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 1,700 mm annually, with December being the wettest month recording about 165 mm and February the driest with about 120 mm.
Best time to visit
Based on temperature estimates from NASA POWER for the summit elevation, the only months with a mean temperature above freezing are January and February, when the mean sits at about 1 °C. The coldest conditions occur in June with a mean of about -5 °C. Precipitation remains present throughout the year, with annual totals around 1,700 mm, peaking in December at about 165 mm and dropping to a low in February at about 120 mm.
Nature and wildlife
The local environment features alpine terrain typical of the high elevations of the Southern Alps in New Zealand. Vegetation adapts to cold summit conditions where mean temperatures remain below freezing for most of the year. The terrain around the summit falls entirely within the Hooker / Landsborough Wilderness Area, providing a protected habitat for the native flora and fauna of the region.
Practical tips
A visit to this high alpine hill requires appropriate preparation for rugged conditions. Walkers should wear sturdy footwear suitable for rock and potential mud, and carry windproof layers to counter severe weather at the 2,650-metre elevation. Staying strictly on paths is important when traversing the Hooker / Landsborough Wilderness Area. In case of an emergency, the national emergency number is 111 where callers must ask for Police, who coordinate land search and rescue; mobiles will redirect 112 and 911 to 111.
Interesting facts
Mount McKerrow holds the distinction of being the highest of 56 named peaks within the Mount Ward Range. Regionally, it ranks as the 98th highest of 10,590 named peaks across New Zealand. Its closest higher neighbour is Mount Hopkins, standing just 1.7 kilometres away to the east with an elevation of 2,678 metres.
FAQ
How high is Mount McKerrow? It has an elevation of 2,650 metres.Where is Mount McKerrow located? It is located in New Zealand, on the South Island, within the Southern Alps, the Main Divide of The Southern Alps, and the Mount Ward Range, in the Westland District of the West Coast region.
What is at the top of Mount McKerrow? The summit is the highest point of the Mount Ward Range and lies within the Hooker / Landsborough Wilderness Area.
What can be seen from the summit? Visible high peaks within 25 km include Mount Sefton, La Perouse, Nazomi, Mount Ward, Vampire, and Mount Dechen.
What are the hills and passes around Mount McKerrow? Nearby features include Mockery Col, Black Tower Peak, Mount Arthur, Hope Col, Mount McKerrow (peak), Mount Hopkins, Mount Sinclair, and Faith Col.
What is the mobile phone coverage? 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.