Southern Alps

Mountain range in WC South Island, New Zealand; length c.320 km/200 mi NE–SW; contains New Zealand's highest peaks, Mt Cook (3764 m/12 349 ft), Mt Tasman (3497 m/11 472 ft), and Mt Dampier (3440 m/11 286 ft); 19 named peaks exceed 3000 m/10 000 ft; only two mountain passes (Haast Pass and Arthur's Pass) allow E–W travel; popular area for mountain-climbing and skiing.

The Southern Alps is a mountain range which runs along the western side of the South Island of New Zealand. The term "Southern Alps" generally refers to the entire range, although separate names are given to many of the smaller ranges that form part of it. A large proportion of the range is protected as part of various national parks, notably the Westland National Park, Mount Aspiring National Park, and Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

The Southern Alps were named by Captain Cook in 1770, who described their 'prodigious height'.

Geologically, the Southern Alps lie along a plate boundary, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Because of its orientation perpendicular to the prevailing westerly winds, the range creates excellent wave soaring conditions for glider pilots. The prevailing westerlies also create a weather pattern known as the Nor'west arch, in which moist air is pushed up over the mountains, forming an arch of cloud in an otherwise blue sky. The 'Nor'wester' is a föhn wind similar to the Chinook of Canada, where mountain ranges in the path of prevailing moisture laden winds force air upwards, thus cooling the air and condensing the moisture to rain, producing hot dry winds in the descending air lee of the mountains.