Mount Ian

{{Infobox mountain

| name = Mount Ian

| photo = Mount Ian.jpg

| photo_caption = South aspect

| elevation_m = 2502

| elevation_ref =[https://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap/nz20369/Mount-Ian/West-Coast Mount Ian, West Coast], NZTopoMap, Retrieved 12 January 2025.{{cite peakbagger|pid=82518|name=Mount Ian, New Zealand|access-date=12 January 2025}}

| prominence_m = 414

| prominence_ref =

| isolation_km = 3.18

| isolation_ref =

| etymology =

| listing = New Zealand #73

| range = Southern Alps
Snowdrift Range

| part_type = Protected area | part = Mount Aspiring National Park

| country = New Zealand

| location = South Island

| region = West Coast / Otago

| region_type = Region

| map = New Zealand

| map_caption = Location in New Zealand

| label_position = bottom

| coordinates = {{coord|44.485148|S|168.476779|E|type:mountain_region:NZ|display=inline,title}}

| coordinates_ref =

| mapframe = yes

| mapframe-zoom = 8

| mapframe-caption = Interactive map of Mount Ian

| topo = NZMS260 E39[https://gazetteer.linz.govt.nz/place/31213 Mount Ian], New Zealand Gazetteer, Retrieved 12 January 2025.
Topo50 CA10

| rock =

| easiest_route =

| first_ascent = 1914

}}

Mount Ian is a {{convert|2502|metre|ft|adj=mid|-elevation|abbr=off}} mountain in New Zealand.

Description

Mount Ian is located 22 kilometres southwest of Mount Aspiring / Tititea in the Southern Alps. The summit is set on the boundary shared by the Otago and West Coast Regions of the South Island. It is also within Mount Aspiring National Park which is part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Site. Precipitation runoff from the mountain's south slope drains to the Dart River / Te Awa Whakatipu, whereas the north slope drains to the Joe River. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises {{convert|1900.|m|ft|abbr=off}} above the Dart River Valley in four kilometres. The nearest higher neighbour is Mount Lydia, three kilometres to the northeast.

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Mount Ian is located in a marine west coast climate zone, with a subpolar oceanic climate (Cfc) at the summit.[https://en.climate-data.org/oceania/new-zealand/southland/te-anau-281135/ Te Anau Climate (New Zealand)], climate-data.org, Retrieved 12 January 2025. Prevailing westerly winds blow moist air from the Tasman Sea onto the mountain, where the air is forced upwards by the mountains (orographic lift), causing moisture to drop in the form of rain and snow. This climate supports the Hamilton, Victoria, Blue Duck, and Snowball glaciers surrounding the mountain. The months of December through February offer the most favourable weather for viewing or climbing this peak.[https://nzpocketguide.com/the-best-time-to-visit-the-south-island/ The Best Time to Visit the South Island], nzpocketguide.com, Retrieved 12 January 2025.

Climbing

The first ascent of the summit was made on 1 March 1914 by Hugh Francis Wright.[https://ari.rdx.net/abc/mountains/new_zealand_mtns.htm Mountains], Ari's Base Camp, Retrieved 12 January 2025.

Climbing routes:[https://climbnz.org.nz/nz/si/aspiring/snowdrift-range/mt-ian Mt Ian], New Zealand Alpine Club, Climbnz.org, Retrieved 12 January 2025.