Location and surroundings
Red Peak is located in New Zealand, positioned within the South Island inside the Southern Alps. More specifically, it belongs to the Main Divide of The Southern Alps and forms part of the Jollie Range. Administratively, the hill falls under the Ashburton District in the Canterbury region. Within its immediate range, Red Peak is the highest of 24 named peaks. The surrounding landscape is characterised by high-alpine terrain, featuring rugged ridges, nearby mountain passes, and neighbouring summits within the Jollie Range.
Neighbouring peaks
The immediate surroundings of Red Peak include several nearby peaks and mountain passes:
- Lawrence Col (mountain pass), 2,330 m, 0.8 km E
- Mount Gould (peak), 2,406 m, 1,0 km W
- North Peak (hill), 2,628 m, 1,1 km E
- Steeple Peak (peak), 2,539 m, 1.5 km NE
- Reischek Col (mountain pass), 2,416 m, 1.6 km NE
- Spires Peak (peak), 2,537 m, 1.7 km NE
- Mount Murray (peak), 2,037 m, 1.7 km N
- Mount Gould (hill), 1,570 m, 1.7 km NW
Standing at 2,637 m, Red Peak surpasses all of these immediate neighbours in elevation, save for its position as the highest point among the 24 named peaks in its range, exceeding nearby North Peak by a small margin and rising significantly higher than the adjacent passes and lower hills.
The view from the summit
From the summit of Red Peak, clear days offer expansive views of several high-altitude giants located within a 25 km radius. The highest peaks visible in the surrounding area include Mount Arrowsmith at an elevation of 2,781 m situated 4.8 km S, Jagged Peak reaching 2,706 m at 2.7 km SE, and Mount Whitcombe standing at 2,650 m positioned 12.6 km NW. Additional prominent summits within sight are Mount Evans at 2,620 m located 15.2 km N, The Warrior reaching 2,580 m at 12.2 km W, and Newton Peak at 2,543 m located 22.0 km W.
The range
Red Peak is part of the Jollie Range, which sits within the Main Divide of The Southern Alps on the South Island of New Zealand. The Jollie Range contains a total of 24 named peaks, and Red Peak is the highest of them all, making it the high point of the range itself. The broader mountain framework encompasses the massive system of the Southern Alps, defining the spine of the South Island.
Climate and weather
Climate figures for the summit of Red Peak are estimates derived from NASA POWER climate data spanning 2001 to 2020, with temperatures adjusted specifically to the summit elevation of 2,637 m. Mean temperatures at the summit indicate that February is the warmest month at about 2 °C, while June is the coldest at about -4 °C. The only months with a mean temperature above freezing at the summit are January, February, and March. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 1,050 mm a year, with May being the wettest month recording about 100 mm of precipitation, and February being the driest with about 75 mm.
Best time to visit
Based on summit temperature estimates derived from NASA POWER data, the best time to visit Red Peak is during the warmer months of January, February, and March. These are the only months when the mean temperature at the summit rises above freezing, with February reaching a warmest mean of about 2 °C. Colder months bring sub-zero temperatures, dropping to about -4 °C in June, alongside annual precipitation of about 1,050 mm peaking around May, meaning climbers must prepare for cold alpine conditions outside of the brief summer window.
Nature and wildlife
The natural environment surrounding Red Peak consists of high-alpine terrain typical of the South Island within the Southern Alps. Vegetation at this elevation is sparse, limited to hardy alpine flora, lichens, and low-growing cushion plants adapted to harsh winds, heavy winter snows, and freezing temperatures that persist for most of the year. Wildlife in these rocky, elevated zones is similarly specialised, generally consisting of resilient native birds and invertebrates capable of surviving in the severe mountain climate of the Jollie Range.
Practical tips
A visit to Red Peak requires proper preparation for alpine conditions, including sturdy footwear suitable for rock and changing terrain, as well as windproof and waterproof layers to guard against sudden weather shifts. In case of an emergency while exploring the hills, the emergency number for mountain rescue in New Zealand is 111 — this is the national emergency number where callers must ask for Police, who coordinate land search and rescue operations. Both 112 and 911 will automatically redirect to 111 when dialled from mobile phones.
Interesting facts
Red Peak holds the notable distinction of being the highest of 24 named peaks in the Jollie Range, serving as the high point of that specific range. Located within the Ashburton District of the Canterbury region in New Zealand, it shares its immediate alpine environment with numerous nearby geological features, including Lawrence Col situated just 0.8 km E and North Peak positioned 1.1 km E.
FAQ
How high is Red Peak? Red Peak reaches an elevation of 2,637 m.
Where is Red Peak located? It is located in New Zealand, within the South Island, the Southern Alps, the Canterbury region, and the Ashburton District.
What is on the top of Red Peak? The summit is a high-alpine environment marking the highest point of the Jollie Range.
What can be seen from Red Peak? On clear days, the summit offers views of major peaks within 25 km, including Mount Arrowsmith, Jagged Peak, and Mount Whitcombe.
What hills and passes are near Red Peak? Immediate neighbours include Lawrence Col, Mount Gould, North Peak, and Steeple Peak.
What is the mobile phone coverage like? Coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator. However, 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should always be downloaded before setting out.