[4] It is situated 165 kilometres (103 mi) west of the city of Christchurch in the Canterbury Region of South Island.

The first ascent of the summit was made in December 1931 by Bryan Barrer and Frank Askin via the North Ridge.

[5] In 1861, Julius von Haast explored this area, reaching the source of the Rangitata River which is immediately below Cloudy Peak.

[7] Prevailing westerly winds blow moist air from the Tasman Sea onto the mountains, where the air is forced upward by the mountains (orographic lift), causing moisture to drop in the form of rain or snow.

The months of December through February offer the most favourable weather for viewing or climbing this peak.