Mount Gifford is part of the Darran Mountains, and is situated in the Southland Region of the South Island.

It is set within Fiordland National Park which is part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The mountain was named in 1939 by Dr. L. Stewart to honour Algernon Charles Gifford (1861–1948), an astronomer, explorer and teacher.

[4] The first ascent of the summit was made in October 1955 by Alistair McDonald and Ken Hamilton via the North East Ridge.

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