KiwiGlimpseOverview
Simons Pass is a mountain pass located in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. The pass is known for its stunning alpine scenery and its use as a crossing point for early explorers and settlers.
| Simons Pass Details | |
|---|---|
| Location | Simons Pass |
| Region | Canterbury |
| District Council | Mackenzie District |
| Sub-District | Mackenzie District |
| Postal Code: | - |
| Current Time: | 04:13 PM |
| Date: | Friday, February 13, 2026(NZST) |
| Time zone: | NZST (UTC+12:00) |
| Elevation / Altitude | 51.91 meters. Above Seal level |
| Latitude | -44.2259 |
| Longitude | 170.2987 |
| DMS Lat | -45° 46' 26.7601'' |
| DMS Long | 170° 17' 55.2131'' |
History
Simons Pass was first explored by Europeans in the mid-1800s, with the pass being used as a crossing point for early explorers and settlers. The pass was named after an early settler in the area, George Simon. In the early 1900s, the pass was used by musterers to move sheep and cattle between the high country stations. Today, the pass is used primarily by tourists and hikers, who are drawn to the area's stunning alpine scenery.
Geography
Simons Pass is located in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island, between the Two Thumb Range and the Ben McLeod Range. The pass is situated at an altitude of around 1,200 metres and is surrounded by steep mountain peaks and glacial valleys. The pass is close to several popular hiking trails, including the Te Araroa Trail and the Three Passes Trek.
Simons Pass is located at latitude -44.22589997 and longitude 170.29867030 (decimal degrees), and approximately at latitude -45° 46' 26.7601'' and longitude 170° 17' 55.2131'' (DMS).
Below is map of Simons Pass
Demographics
Simons Pass is a remote and uninhabited area and as such, there are no permanent residents in the area. Visitors to the pass are typically tourists and hikers, who are drawn to the area's stunning alpine scenery and challenging hiking trails.
Climate
Simons Pass has a cold and alpine climate, with temperatures ranging from -10°C in the winter to 20°C in the summer. The area receives an average of 2,000mm of rainfall each year, with the majority of the precipitation falling as snow during the winter months. The area is also known for its strong winds, which can make hiking and outdoor activities challenging.
Simons Pass Live Weather & 5-day Forecast: Stay informed on current and upcoming weather.
Error: Unable to retrieve weather forecast data.Landmarks and Tourist Attractions
Simons Pass is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, with several challenging hiking trails located in the area. The Te Araroa Trail and the Three Passes Trek are two of the most popular hiking trails in the area, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The area is also popular with climbers and mountaineers, with several challenging peaks located in the area.
Economy
Simons Pass is a remote and uninhabited area and as such, there is no formal economy in the area. However, the area's stunning alpine scenery and challenging hiking trails attract tourists from around the world, providing a boost to the wider tourism industry in the region.
Nearby Schools
| Sr. No. | School Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Fairlie Area Kindergarten |
| 2 | Lake Tekapo Kindergarten |
| 3 | Lake Tekapo School |
| 4 | Mackenzie College |
| 5 | Omarama School |
Nearby Towns and Cities
| Popular Towns and Cities | |
|---|---|
| Grays River | House Hill |
| Irishman Creek | Larbreck |
| Mary Burn, Canterbury | Mary Range |
| Maryburn | Paringa |
| Pukaki River | Simons Hill |