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Mount Tasman facts for kids

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Mount Tasman
Mount Tasman 2.jpg
Highest point
Elevation 3,497 m (11,473 ft)
Prominence 519 m (1,703 ft)
Listing New Zealand #2
Naming
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Geography
Mount Tasman is located in New Zealand
Mount Tasman
Mount Tasman
Location in New Zealand
Parent range Southern Alps
Climbing
First ascent February 1895 by Edward Fitzgerald, Matthias Zurbriggen und Jack Clarke
Easiest route glacier/snow/ice climb

Mount Tasman (called Horokoau in Māori) is the second highest mountain in New Zealand. It stands tall at 3,497 meters (about 11,473 feet). You can find it in the Southern Alps, a big mountain range on New Zealand's South Island.

Mount Tasman is located just four kilometers north of Aoraki / Mount Cook, which is the tallest mountain in the country. Unlike Aoraki / Mount Cook, Mount Tasman sits right on the main ridge of the Southern Alps. This means it's on the border between two amazing places: Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and Westland Tai Poutini National Park. It is also the highest point in the Westland District.

First Climbers

The very first time someone climbed to the top of Mount Tasman was in 1895. The climbers were Edward FitzGerald and his guide, Matthias Zurbriggen. They were the first people to successfully reach the summit of this challenging peak.

Its Special Name

The Māori name for Mount Tasman is Horokoau. This name has an interesting meaning! "Horo" means "to swallow," and "koau" means "shag." A shag is a type of bird that dives for fish. People believe the name refers to how a shag's neck swells up when it swallows a fish.

National Parks Around It

Mount Tasman is part of the Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, located in the Canterbury area. This park was created in 1953. It's also part of a larger group of parks that are recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. These parks include Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Mount Aspiring National Park, and Fiordland National Park. Being a World Heritage Site means these areas are very important and special to the whole world.

Images for kids

  • Mt Tasman north shoulder view south to summit NZ Mon 21 March 1983

    Mt Tasman north shoulder view south to summit, 21 March 1983

  • Mt Tasman peak from Mt Haidinger summit NZ Sat 19 March 1983

    Mt Tasman peak looking SW from Mt Haidinger summit, 19 March 1983

  • Mt Haast, Mt Lendenfeld, Mt Tasman and Torres Peak NZ helicopter view from NW Fri Nov 28 2008

    Mt Haast, Mt Lendenfeld, Mt Tasman and Torres Peak NZ helicopter view from NW, Nov 28 2008

  • Mt Tasman helicopter view from SE above Grand Plateau NZ Fri Nov 28 2008 crop

    Mt Tasman helicopter view from SE above Grand Plateau, Nov 28 2008

  • Mt Tasman viewed from north at helicopter landing on Fox nevé NZ Fri Nov 28 2008

    Mt Tasman viewed from north at helicopter landing on Fox nevé, Nov 28 2008

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Mount Tasman Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.