Southern Alps (New Zealand)

Southern Alps (New Zealand), mountain range in New Zealand, running southwest to northeast on and near the west coast of South Island. The range has 17 peaks taller than 3,000 m (10,000 ft). The tallest peak in the range, and in New Zealand, is Mount Cook (Aorangi) at 3,754 m (12,316 ft). The Southern Alps were formed by a huge vertical movement along the Alpine Fault and much later by an uplift slightly to the east. The Southern Alps have had much glacial action, especially on their western front, since the last Ice Age, more than 10,000 years ago. The glaciers drowned rivers and eroded slopes, leaving deep valleys and long lakes such as Makatipu, Manapouri, and Te Anau in Fiordland National Park in the south of the range. Gradual erosion continues to wear down the range. The Southern Alps include spectacular scenery of glaciers set amid evergreen woodland. They are a popular tourist destination.

The Southern Alps are still difficult to cross by road and form a barrier between the island's west coast and the eastern region of Canterbury. Because they are at least 1,000 m (3,000 ft) tall for 750 km (450 mi), the mountains also account for a significant difference in climate: To the west, clouds and rain are frequent, while parts of the eastern side have some of New Zealand's sunniest weather.