Pluto Peak

{{Infobox mountain

| name = Pluto Peak

| photo = Pluto Peak.jpg

| photo_caption = Southwest aspect

| elevation_m = 2480.

| elevation_ref =[https://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap/nz19641/Pluto-Peak/Otago Pluto Peak, Otago], NZTopoMap, Retrieved 2 January 2025.{{cite peakbagger|pid=115539|name=Pluto Peak, New Zealand|access-date=2 January 2025}}

| prominence_m = 260.

| prominence_ref =

| isolation_km = 1.35

| isolation_ref =

| etymology =

| range = Southern Alps
Forbes Mountains

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

| country = New Zealand

| location = South Island

| region =Otago

| region_type = Region

| map = New Zealand

| map_caption = Location in New Zealand

| label_position = bottom

| coordinates = {{coord|44.61538179|S|168.3862745|E|type:mountain_region:NZ|display=inline,title}}

| coordinates_ref =

| mapframe = yes

| mapframe-zoom = 8

| mapframe-caption = Interactive map of Pluto Peak

| topo = NZMS260 E40[https://gazetteer.linz.govt.nz/place/4660 Pluto Peak], New Zealand Gazetteer, Retrieved 2 January 2025.
Topo50 CA10

| rock =

| easiest_route =

| first_ascent = December 1931

}}

Pluto Peak is a {{convert|2480.|metre|ft|adj=mid|-elevation|abbr=off}} mountain in Otago, New Zealand.

Description

Pluto Peak is located 26 kilometres north of Glenorchy, New Zealand, in the Southern Alps of the South Island. It is set within Mount Aspiring National Park which is part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Site. The peak is part of the Forbes Mountains which are a subrange of the Southern Alps. Precipitation runoff from the mountain's slopes drains to the Dart River / Te Awa Whakatipu. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises {{convert|2000.|m|ft|abbr=off}} above the Dart Valley in three kilometres. The nearest higher neighbour is Mount Earnslaw, 1.35 kilometres to the southeast. This mountain's toponym has been officially approved by the New Zealand Geographic Board.

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Pluto Peak 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 2 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. 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 2 January 2025.

Climbing

The first ascent of the summit was made in December 1931 by J.A. Sim, V.J. Leader, and K. Grinling.[https://climbnz.org.nz/nz/si/aspiring/forbes-mountains/pluto Pluto], New Zealand Alpine Club, Climbnz.org, Retrieved 2 January 2025.

Climbing routes:

North West Face – J.A. Sim, V.J. Leader, K. Grinling – (1931)
South Buttress – Russell Braddock, L. Braddock – (2009)

File:Pluto Peak, New Zealand.jpg

References

External links

Pluto Peak: [https://www.yr.no/en/forecast/daily-table/2-2184497/New%20Zealand/Otago/Queenstown-Lakes%20District/Pluto%20Peak weather]
Pluto Peak: [https://climbnz.org.nz/nz/si/aspiring/forbes-mountains/pluto New Zealand Alpine Club]

{{Geographic Location 2

| Center = Pluto Peak

| North = Sir William Peak

| Northeast = Shepherds Pass

| East = O'Leary Peak

| Southeast = Mount Earnslaw

| South =

| Southwest = Dart Valley

| West = Dart River / Te Awa Whakatipu

| Northwest = Bedford Stream

}}

Category:Mountains of Otago