Story: European discovery of New Zealand

The Southern Alps

The Southern Alps

Some of the highest peaks of the Southern Alps are named after Pacific explorers and navigators. This panorama is taken from above the Cook River valley and shows the three peaks of Aoraki/Mt Cook (1). To the left is the country’s second highest peak, Mt Tasman (2). The third highest peak is Mt Dampier (3), in front of which is Mt Hicks. In the foreground is Mt Perouse. Leading towards Mt Tasman from Mt Dampier are two minor prominences named after Vancouver and Malaspina.

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GNS Science
Reference: 36153
Photograph by Lloyd Homer

Permission of GNS Science must be obtained before any use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

John Wilson, 'European discovery of New Zealand - Last discoveries', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/1446/the-southern-alps (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by John Wilson, published 8 Feb 2005, updated 1 May 2016