It is situated in the Southland Region of South Island, and set within Fiordland National Park which is part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hodgkin, and Tom Fyfe climbed the lower west peak (2,516 m) of Madeline.

[4] The first ascent of the true summit was made in March 1920 by Alf Cowling and Samuel Turner.

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

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