Mount Rolleston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Rolleston |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,271 m (7,451 ft) |
| Geography | |
 Mount Rolleston
Location in West Coast
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| Parent range | Southern Alps |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | 1912 by H. Thompson, J. Gilligan |
Mount Rolleston is a tall and famous mountain in New Zealand. It stands at 2,271 meters (about 7,451 feet) high. This impressive peak is located in Arthur's Pass National Park, on the South Island. It's a special place for many reasons, including its history and popularity with climbers.
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What is Mount Rolleston?
This mountain was named in 1864 by a surveyor named Arthur Dudley Dobson. A surveyor is someone who measures and maps land. Dobson saw the peak while he was looking for a way through the Southern Alps mountains. He was trying to find a path to the gold fields on the West Coast of the South Island.
Who was William Rolleston?
The mountain was named to honor William Rolleston. At that time, he was the Superintendent of the Canterbury Province. A Superintendent was like a leader or governor of a region in New Zealand. He was an important person in the government of the area.
A Popular Mountain
Mount Rolleston is not the tallest mountain in Arthur's Pass National Park. That honor goes to Mount Murchison. However, Mount Rolleston is very well known because you can see it easily. It is visible from State Highway 73. This highway runs right through Arthur's Pass to the West Coast.
Climbing Mount Rolleston
Mount Rolleston is a favorite spot for mountain climbers. Many climbers like it because they can climb it in just one day. They usually start their climb from the small town of Arthur's Pass. The first people to climb Mount Rolleston were H. Thomson and J. Gilligan. They reached the top in 1912.
Climbing Routes
There are different ways to climb Mount Rolleston. Some popular routes include the Rome Ridge and the Goldney Ridge. The Goldney Ridge route also gives access to a place called Otira Slide. In winter, skilled adventurers can even ski down the Otira Slide.
Rivers and Water
The top parts of Mount Rolleston are very important for several rivers. These high slopes are where rivers begin, also known as their headwaters. The most notable river that starts here is the Waimakariri River. Several smaller streams that feed into the Otira River also begin on Mount Rolleston.
