[1] The Pisa and Criffel Ranges are separated by a strath, a broad, generally gently undulating valley.
The range runs roughly north-northeast to south-southwest for a distance of some 35 kilometres (22 mi), starting south of the town of Wānaka and extending until it is halted by the valley of the Kawarau River near Gibbston.
The isolated hill of Mount Barker (596 metres (1,955 ft)) lies immediately to the north of the range.
[2] Numerous streams have their courses across the high broad valley that lies between the Criffel and Pisa Ranges.
Most notable among these is the Roaring Meg, a fast-running creek which powers one of New Zealand's oldest hydroelectric stations before joining the Kawarau River.