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Mount Sefton
Mount Sefton (cropped) at sunrise.jpg
Mount Sefton at sunrise, from Mount Cook Village
Highest point
Elevation 3,151 m (10,338 ft)
Prominence 1,063 m (3,488 ft)
Listing List of mountains of New Zealand by height
Naming
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Geography
Mount Sefton is located in New Zealand
Mount Sefton
Mount Sefton
Location in New Zealand
Parent range Southern Alps
Climbing
First ascent 1894 by Edward FitzGerald

Mount Sefton is a stunning mountain located in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. Its Māori name is Maukatua, which means 'mountain of the gods'. This beautiful peak stands tall near Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain.

Mount Sefton is easy to spot from Mount Cook Village. You can see its impressive size and the glaciers that flow down its sides. It's a popular sight for visitors to the area.

About Mount Sefton

Mount Sefton is part of the Aroarokaehe Range within the Southern Alps. It's located on the South Island of New Zealand. This mountain is a significant landmark in the region.

Where is Mount Sefton?

Mount Sefton is about 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) south of Aoraki / Mount Cook, which is the tallest mountain in New Zealand. To its south, you'll find Mount Brunner, and to its north is The Footstool. Both of these nearby mountains are over 400 metres (1,300 ft) shorter than Mount Sefton.

The mountain is very visible from Mount Cook Village, especially from the Hooker Valley. From there, you can see the Tuckett Glacier flowing down its southeastern side. The Mueller Glacier lies in the valley below Mount Sefton, adding to the amazing views.

How Tall is Mount Sefton?

Mount Sefton reaches a height of 3,151 metres (10,338 ft) (about 10,338 feet) above sea level. This makes it the 13th-highest peak in the Southern Alps. It's also considered the 4th-highest mountain in New Zealand when we only count peaks that stand out significantly from their neighbors.

An important river, the Douglas River, actually starts its journey high up on Mount Sefton.

Who Named Mount Sefton?

The area around Mount Sefton was named by an early resident called Charles French Pemberton. The mountain itself was named by a famous geologist, Julius von Haast. He chose to name it after William Sefton Moorhouse, who was the second leader, or Superintendent, of the Canterbury Province in New Zealand.

As mentioned, the Māori name for the mountain is Maukatua. This beautiful name translates to 'mountain of the gods', showing the respect and importance the mountain held for the Māori people.

First Climbers

The first recorded climb to the top of Mount Sefton happened shortly after Christmas in 1894. The climber was Edward FitzGerald. He was guided by an experienced mountaineer named Matthias Zurbriggen. Their successful ascent marked an important moment in the history of climbing in New Zealand.

Mueller Hut with Mt Sefton (in the middle) and Aoraki / Mt Cook (on the right) during the sunrise
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