Location and surroundings
Mount Starveall is situated in New Zealand, specifically within the Marlborough District and the Marlborough region on the South Island. Its hierarchical range placement follows New Zealand > South Island > Northwest Ranges > Bryant Range. Among the 55 named peaks in the Bryant Range, it holds the rank of the highest by elevation. The surrounding landscape includes protected areas and wilderness zones, offering a remote alpine environment with diverse topography.
Neighbouring peaks
The immediate vicinity of Mount Starveall includes several nearby elevations and passes. Here are the nearest peaks and passes with their types, elevations, distances, and directions:
- Mount Starveall (hill), 1,283 m, 0.9 km N
- Lowther Saddle (mountain pass), 1,281 m, 1.3 km NE
- Hacket Peaks (hill), 1,437 m, 2.0 km NE
- Mount Gale (peak), 1,396 m, 2.3 km NE
- Slaty Peak (peak), 699 m, 2.7 km E
- Mount Gale (hill), 1,425 m, 2.7 km NE
- Slaty Peak (hill), 1,544 m, 3.1 km SE
- Weka Saddle (mountain pass), 1,165 m, 3.9 km NE
Compared to these surrounding features, Mount Starveall reaches 1,511 m, making it taller than most immediate neighbors, though Slaty Peak to the southeast rises to 1,544 m as the nearest higher peak.
The view from the summit
From the summit of Mount Starveall, observers can look out across the region toward several prominent regional giants located within a 25 km radius. The highest peaks within this distance include Red Hill at 1,791 m situated 24.0 km SW, Mount Richmond at 1,760 m located 12.1 km E, and Mount Rintoul at 1,730 m lying 6.3 km S. Additional peaks visible or nearby within the broader view include Mount Patriarch at 1,655 m positioned 16.1 km S, Mount Fishtail at 1,641 m set 20.5 km E, and Ben Nevis at 1,619 m located 17.4 km SW.
The range
Mount Starveall belongs to the Bryant Range, which is part of the Northwest Ranges on the South Island of New Zealand. The Bryant Range contains 55 named peaks, of which Mount Starveall is the highest point. The range itself is nested within the wider mountainous topography of the island nation, providing a distinct sub-range structure characterized by ridgelines and native vegetation.
Climate and weather
Climate figures for Mount Starveall are estimates derived from NASA POWER climate data covering the period from 2001 to 2020, with temperatures adjusted to the summit elevation. The mean temperature at the summit reaches its warmest in January at about 10 °C and its coldest in July at about 2 °C. Monthly mean temperatures remain above freezing at the summit throughout the entire year, covering January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 1,000 mm a year, with June being the wettest month at about 105 mm and February the driest at about 60 mm. Typical weather hazards in this region include sudden changes in weather, strong winds, and reduced visibility.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Mount Starveall generally aligns with months experiencing milder temperatures and lower precipitation risks. Mean temperatures at the summit remain above freezing throughout every month of the year, providing a twelve-month window where extreme sub-zero conditions are less frequent. Precipitation varies through the seasons, with February recording the driest conditions at about 60 mm, making drier summer and early autumn months favorable for outdoor activities, while June brings higher moisture levels with about 105 mm of precipitation.
Nature and wildlife
The environment around Mount Starveall features typical South Island mid-to-high elevation terrain, supporting native bush, shrubs, and alpine flora adapted to temperate maritime conditions. Local fauna includes native bird species and invertebrates common to the forest and sub-alpine zones. The area at or near the summit is protected under the Mount Richmond Forest Park, which functions as a designated Conservation Park to preserve the natural landscape and native ecosystems.
Guides and organised ascents
For visitors seeking professional assistance in the mountains of New Zealand, national organisations provide standards and support. The national mountain 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. Established guiding companies operating in the country include Alpine Guides Aoraki based in Aoraki/Mount Cook and Adventure Consultants based in Wānaka. These entities serve as examples of where visitors usually turn for professional mountain services in the country, and guided ascents typically depend on factors such as duration, group size, hut usage, and technical equipment requirements.
Safety and preparation
Ascending peaks of this height and terrain demands proper preparation, physical fitness, navigational tools, and appropriate clothing to handle rapid weather shifts. In case of emergencies in the mountains of New Zealand, the national emergency number is 111; callers should ask for Police, who coordinate land search and rescue operations. Additionally, 112 and 911 redirect to 111 on mobile phones.
Interesting facts
Mount Starveall is notable for being the highest point of the Bryant Range, ranking first among 55 named peaks in that range. Its nearest higher peak is Slaty Peak, located 3.1 km to the southeast at an elevation of 1,544 m. The mountain is situated within the Marlborough District of New Zealand and is closely associated with regional conservation lands like the Mount Richmond Forest Park.
FAQ
How high is Mount Starveall? Mount Starveall has an elevation of 1,511 m.
Where is Mount Starveall located? It is located in New Zealand, on the South Island, within the Marlborough District and the Marlborough region.
What mountain range does Mount Starveall belong to? It belongs to the Bryant Range, which is part of the Northwest Ranges on the South Island.
What are the nearest peaks to Mount Starveall? The nearest elevations include a hill also named Mount Starveall at 0.9 km N, Lowther Saddle at 1.3 km NE, and Hacket Peaks at 2.0 km NE.
Is there water on the way to Mount Starveall? Water availability should be assessed based on local conditions, and hikers should carry sufficient water supplies or treat natural water sources found near streams or huts.
Are there huts on Mount Starveall? Yes, Starveall Hut is located 1.3 km NW of the summit as a wilderness hut, alongside another wilderness hut also situated 1.3 km NW.
What is the mobile phone coverage like on Mount Starveall? Mobile coverage in the hills can be patchy and depends on the operator, but 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should always be downloaded before setting out.