# Southern Alps / Kā Tiritiri o te Moana

> mountain range on the South Island in New Zealand

**Wikidata**: [Q206650](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q206650)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Alps)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/southern-alps

## Summary
The Southern Alps, also known as Kā Tiritiri o te Moana, is a major mountain range located on the South Island of New Zealand. It is a geologically significant geographic area containing several related mountains, including Aoraki / Mount Cook, the highest peak in the country. The range is part of New Zealand's diverse landscape and is a key feature of the country's natural heritage.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Mountain range on the South Island of New Zealand
- **Aliases**: New Zealand Alps, Kā Tiritiri o te Moana
- **Coordinates**: Latitude -43.365°, Longitude 170.624°
- **Highest Point**: Aoraki / Mount Cook (3,724 metres)
- **Related Entity**: TranzAlpine (passenger train in New Zealand, inception 1987)
- **Parent Country**: New Zealand (inception as sovereign state 1987)
- **Sitelink Count**: 71 (indicating widespread online references)
- **Wikipedia Title**: Southern Alps
- **Wikidata Description**: Mountain range on the South Island in New Zealand

## FAQs
**What is the Southern Alps known for?**
The Southern Alps is New Zealand's highest and most prominent mountain range, featuring iconic peaks like Aoraki / Mount Cook. It is a major tourist attraction and a key part of the country's natural landscape, known for its dramatic scenery and outdoor recreational opportunities.

**Where is the Southern Alps located?**
The Southern Alps is located on the South Island of New Zealand, stretching along the country's central spine. It forms a significant geographical feature of the island, with its highest peak, Aoraki / Mount Cook, reaching 3,724 metres.

**What is the significance of the Southern Alps in New Zealand?**
The Southern Alps is a critical part of New Zealand's natural heritage, contributing to the country's tourism industry and outdoor recreation. It is also a geologically significant area, with several related mountains and a rich ecological diversity.

**How does the Southern Alps relate to New Zealand's transportation?**
The Southern Alps is served by the TranzAlpine passenger train, which operates since 1987, providing a scenic route through the mountain range. This train is a key mode of transportation for tourists and locals alike.

## Why It Matters
The Southern Alps is a defining feature of New Zealand's landscape, attracting millions of visitors annually due to its stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. As the country's highest mountain range, it plays a crucial role in shaping New Zealand's tourism industry and outdoor culture. The range's geologic significance also makes it a subject of scientific interest, contributing to our understanding of the region's natural history. Additionally, the Southern Alps is a key part of New Zealand's identity, symbolizing the country's connection to its natural environment and indigenous heritage.

## Notable For
- **Highest Peak in New Zealand**: Aoraki / Mount Cook stands at 3,724 metres, making it the tallest mountain in the country.
- **Scenic Tourism Hub**: The Southern Alps is a major destination for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities, drawing visitors from around the world.
- **Geological Significance**: The range is part of a geologically active area, with several related mountains and a rich natural history.
- **Transportation Route**: The TranzAlpine train provides a scenic and efficient way to travel through the Southern Alps, enhancing accessibility to the region.

## Body
### Geography and Environment
The Southern Alps is a prominent mountain range on the South Island of New Zealand, stretching along the country's central spine. It is part of a larger geological formation that includes several related mountains, such as The Minarets, La Perouse, and Mount Tasman. The range is known for its dramatic landscapes, including glaciers, valleys, and waterfalls, which contribute to its status as a major tourist attraction. The highest peak in the Southern Alps is Aoraki / Mount Cook, which reaches 3,724 metres and is the tallest mountain in New Zealand.

### Related Entities and Dependencies
The Southern Alps is connected to several other geographical features in New Zealand, including the Mackenzie District, Arthur's Pass, and Mount Hamilton. These entities are part of the broader landscape of the South Island, contributing to the region's natural diversity. The Southern Alps also shares a relationship with the TranzAlpine passenger train, which operates since 1987 and provides a scenic route through the mountain range. This train is a key mode of transportation for tourists and locals, enhancing the region's accessibility and appeal.

### Cultural and Historical Significance
The Southern Alps holds cultural significance for New Zealand, representing the country's connection to its natural environment and indigenous heritage. The range is a key part of the country's identity, symbolizing the importance of outdoor recreation and environmental conservation. The Southern Alps is also notable for its role in shaping New Zealand's tourism industry, with millions of visitors drawn to its stunning scenery each year. Additionally, the range is a subject of scientific interest, with its geologic significance contributing to our understanding of the region's natural history.

### Technical Identifiers and Standards
The Southern Alps is part of New Zealand's broader administrative and technical framework. It is located within the country's 16 regions, including the Canterbury Region and Otago Region, which are key areas for outdoor recreation and tourism. The range is also associated with specific technical identifiers, such as the ISO 3166-1 codes for New Zealand, which include Alpha-2: NZ, Alpha-3: NZL, and Numeric: 554. These codes reflect the country's international recognition and participation in global standards.

## References

1. [Source](https://gazetteer.linz.govt.nz/place/7442)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. GeoNames
4. GEOnet Names Server
5. BabelNet
6. KBpedia