Mount Ollivier
Mountain Canterbury peak offering alpine hiking near Aoraki
Alpine peak in Canterbury’s ranges, climbed by hikers and scramblers for close glacier views and as part of longer South Island routes.
Mount Ollivier is a peak in the Canterbury Region of New Zealand’s South Island within the Southern Alps area. It is relatively modest in height compared with nearby peaks and is noted in New Zealand mountaineering history.
The mountain was one of the early climbs of Sir Edmund Hillary and is often mentioned in accounts of his early mountaineering. Routes to the summit are alpine in character and normally approached by hikers and mountaineers visiting the Aoraki/Mount Cook region.
Mount Ollivier lies within the broader Aoraki/Mount Cook area of the Southern Alps on the South Island and is accessible from valley approaches used for nearby peaks and huts.
- Hillary connection: Associated with Sir Edmund Hillary-one of his earliest notable climbs-making it of interest to those studying local mountaineering history.
How to Get to Mount Ollivier #
Mount Ollivier is accessed from the Hooker Valley/ Aoraki-Mount Cook area. Reach the regional road network via Twizel or Mount Cook Village, then follow well-marked trackheads into alpine approaches-be prepared for alpine conditions and hut logistics.
Tips for Visiting Mount Ollivier #
- Combine this peak with a longer traverse of the Sealy Tarns area for varied scenery.
- Mount Ollivier is often climbed as part of Sir Edmund Hillary's training route-look for plaques and small memorials on the route.
- In winter conditions, use crampons and ice tools-the ridge can be exposed and icy.
Best Time to Visit Mount Ollivier #
Summer months are the most reliable for hiking; shoulder seasons can offer solitude but changeable weather.
Weather & Climate near Mount Ollivier #
Mount Ollivier's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cool summers (peaking in February) and freezing winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -6°C to 16°C. Heavy rainfall (3503 mm/year), wettest in September.
January
January is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C. Heavy rain (261 mm) and breezy conditions.
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February
February is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Heavy rain (285 mm) and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (265 mm) and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Heavy rain (262 mm) and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -3°C. Heavy rain (314 mm) and breezy conditions.
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June
June is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -5°C. Heavy rain (331 mm) and breezy conditions.
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July
July is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -6°C. Heavy rain (230 mm).
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August
August is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -5°C. Heavy rain (248 mm) and breezy conditions.
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September
September is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (408 mm) and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (262 mm) and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Heavy rain (268 mm) and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (369 mm) and breezy conditions.
