Location and surroundings
Following the regional hierarchy, Single Cone is located in New Zealand, on the South Island, within the Southern Alps, the Inland Southern Alps, and specifically The Remarkables range. Administratively, it falls under the Queenstown-Lakes District in the Otago region. As the highest of 6 named peaks in The Remarkables, it commands a rugged alpine landscape characterised by steep slopes, rocky terrain, and dramatic ridges that shape the surrounding valleys.
Neighbouring peaks
The immediate vicinity of Single Cone features several notable summits and elevations:
- Double Cone (hill), 2,307 m, 0.2 km NW
- Double Cone (peak), 1,972 m, 0.8 km NW
- Ben Cruachan (peak), 1,895 m, 5.4 km NE
- Mount Salmond (hill), 1,640 m, 6.4 km E
- Peninsula Hill (hill), 834 m, 7.5 km NW
- Mount Tuwhakaroria (peak), 2,307 m, 8.2 km S
- Mount Edward (peak), 1,191 m, 8.6 km E
- Ferry Hill (peak), 396 m, 9.2 km NW
Compared to these nearby formations, Single Cone stands out as a superior elevation in the immediate vicinity, closely rivaled only by specific nearby high points while easily over surrounding hills and lesser peaks.
The view from the summit
From the high point of Single Cone, climbers and observers can survey a vast expanse of the surrounding terrain. Within a 25 km radius, several major regional summits are visible on clear days:
- Te Karearea Peak, 2,252 m, 9.5 km SE
- Ben Nevis, 2,234 m, 11.2 km S
- James Peak, 2,072 m, 19.7 km S
- Wye Dome, 2,050 m, 1.0 km NE
- Cecil Peak, 1,978 m, 14.8 km W
- Mount Dick, 1,805 m, 23.6 km SW
These distant giants dominate the horizon, offering a comprehensive panorama of the rugged terrain typical of this sector of the Southern Alps.
The range
Single Cone belongs to The Remarkables, a distinct mountain range comprising 6 named peaks. The Remarkables also serves as the high point of the range itself. Geographically, the range forms part of the Inland Southern Alps, which are embedded within the wider Southern Alps on the South Island of New Zealand. Among all the named elevations in its home range, Single Cone holds the top rank by elevation.
Climbing routes
Climbers targeting Single Cone typically utilise established paths and options associated with the area. Available routes include the Wye Creek route and paths branching out from the Remarkables Ski Area access. Climbers navigating the area may also utilise Alta Hut as a landmark or functional stop along the way.
Access and starting points
Visits to Single Cone usually begin from the nearby town of Queenstown. From there, travellers access the mountain infrastructure via the Remarkables Ski Area access road, which leads toward the trailheads and routes heading up into the high terrain.
Climate and weather
Based on estimates from NASA POWER climate data covering the period from 2001 to 2020, temperatures at the summit of Single Cone vary significantly through the year. The warmest month is January, with a mean temperature of about 2 °C, while the coldest month is June, with a mean of about -4 °C. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 1,300 mm a year, with January being the wettest month at about 120 mm of precipitation, and August the driest at about 90 mm. Typical weather hazards in this exposed alpine environment include sudden high winds, rapid shifts in temperature, low visibility from cloud cover, and icy conditions on upper slopes.
Best time to visit
The months with a mean temperature above freezing at the summit are January, February, March, and December, making these periods generally more favourable for ascents. Combining these milder months with the drier conditions found through parts of the year provides the optimal window for tackling the terrain, avoiding the severe cold and heavy winter weather that characterises the rest of the calendar.
Nature and wildlife
The landscape around Single Cone consists of high-altitude alpine terrain marked by exposed rock, scree slopes, and seasonal snowfields. Vegetation at this elevation is sparse, restricted primarily to hardy alpine herbs, tussock grasses, and low-growing cushion plants adapted to cold winds and poor soils. Wildlife is similarly specialised, featuring resilient native bird species and insects capable of surviving harsh mountain conditions.
Guides and organised ascents
For visitors tackling high and technical terrain like Single Cone, engaging a certified mountain guide is advisable to ensure safety and proper navigation. In New Zealand, professional guidance is supported by the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association, which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member, alongside the national mountaineering federation, the New Zealand Alpine Club. Established guiding companies operating within the country include Alpine Guides Aoraki based in Aoraki/Mount Cook and Adventure Consultants based in Wānaka. A guided ascent typically includes professional route planning, safety equipment, and leadership during the climb, with pricing dependent on factors such as the number of days, group size, required hut nights, and technical equipment needs.
Safety and preparation
The height and technical terrain of Single Cone demand thorough physical preparation, appropriate alpine gear, and experience with unpredictable weather. In the event of an emergency in the mountains, the national emergency number is 111, where callers should ask for the Police, who coordinate land search and rescue operations. Mobile users can also dial 112 or 911, which redirect to 111.
History and name
Single Cone has a recorded history rooted in early exploration of the region. The first ascent of the mountain was successfully achieved by W. G. Grave, establishing its place in the mountaineering history of The Remarkables range near Queenstown.
Interesting facts
Single Cone ranks as the highest of 6 named peaks within The Remarkables. It features a substantial prominence of 1,939 m and shares its immediate alpine cradle with close elevations like Double Cone. The peak anchors the highest point of its specific range, projecting high above the surrounding Otago landscape.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Single Cone? Single Cone stands at an elevation of 2,319 m.
Where is Single Cone located? It is located in New Zealand, within the Otago region and the Queenstown-Lakes District.
Which mountain range does Single Cone belong to? It belongs to The Remarkables range, within the Inland Southern Alps and the Southern Alps on the South Island.
What are the nearest peaks to Single Cone? The nearest peaks include Double Cone, Ben Cruachan, Mount Salmond, and Peninsula Hill.
How does Single Cone compare to other peaks in its range? It is the highest of 6 named peaks in The Remarkables.
Is there water on the way to Single Cone? Natural water sources along the routes are sparse and must be treated, so climbers should carry an adequate supply of 1.5 to 3 litres of water for the day depending on weather and exertion.
How long does it take to climb Single Cone? An ascent takes about 3 to 4 hours from the Remarkables Ski Area.
Is there mobile phone coverage on Single Cone? Coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator, but emergency calls to 112 can be made over any available network, and digital maps should be downloaded prior to departure.