Maniniaro / Angelus Peak
New Zealand · Oceania
About
Maniniaro / Angelus Peak is a mountain in Nelson Lakes National Park, near the northwestern extent of New Zealand's main divide. Although it is not the tallest peak in the Angelus Ridge or the wider Travers Range, Maniniaro remains a popular tramping destination and is significant to the Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō iwi, who claim mana whenua (regional authority) within the area. According to Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō beliefs, the mountain is intrinsically linked with nearby Rotomaninitua / Lake Angelus, with the two both said to represent the footprints of the iwi's ancestors as they embarked on their journey back to Hawaiki. It is also near both major lakes of the national park, being roughly 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from the southern ends of both Lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa. Being situated near the intersection of several walking tracks, Maniniaro / Angelus Peak is a popular destination for trampers. The popular Angelus Hut is situated on the shore of nearby Rotomaninitua / Lake Angelus, which provides a launching point for those wishing to climb the summit of Maniniaro as the route from the hut to the summit requires no specialist equipment when there is no snow. Routes to near the summit are among the most important in Nelson Lakes National Park, and are an active part of the park's management plan. The Department of Conservation also noted the potential for ski touring in the alpine area
Adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA). Photography via Wikimedia Commons.