Mitre Peak is set on the boundary shared by the Marlborough and Canterbury Regions of the South Island.

Topographic relief is significant as the west slope rises 1,100 metres (3,609 feet) in 1.5 kilometre.

[5] The first ascent of the summit was made in January 1895 by Alexander, Fowler, Neville, and Moore via the North East Couloir.

[3] The South East Ridge was first climbed in January 1969 by John Nankervis, Ross Gooder, and Bob Gunn.

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