Mount Dampier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Dampier |
|
|---|---|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 3,440 m (11,290 ft) |
| Prominence | 92 m (302 ft) |
| Naming | |
| Native name | Error {{native name}}: an IETF language tag as parameter {{{1}}} is required (help) |
| Geography | |
| Location | South Island, New Zealand |
| Parent range | Southern Alps |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | March 1912, by Freda Du Faur & Peter Graham |
Mount Dampier is a very tall mountain in New Zealand. It is the third highest mountain in the country. Its Māori name is Rangiroa, which means 'long sky'. This name comes from the Māori words rangi (sky) and roa (long).
Mount Dampier stands 3,440 metres (11,290 ft) (about 11,286 feet) high. It is part of the Southern Alps mountain range. This range runs along the South Island of New Zealand. The mountain is located between Mount Hicks and Aoraki / Mount Cook, which is New Zealand's highest peak. Many climbers travel across Mount Dampier when they are on their way to climb the North ridge of Mount Cook.
The Story Behind Mount Dampier's Name
Mount Dampier has had a few names over time. Its first English name was Mount Hector. This name honored James Hector, a famous Scottish-New Zealand scientist. He was a very important explorer and geologist.
How Mount Dampier Got Its Current Name
Later, the mountain's name was changed. In 1896, a map made by Edward FitzGerald showed a new name. FitzGerald was a British mountaineer and explorer. He renamed the peak after William Dampier. Dampier was a famous English explorer and pirate. He was one of the first people to sail around the world three times.
