Mount Ward is located on the crest or Main Divide of the Southern Alps and is situated on the boundary shared by the Canterbury and West Coast Regions of the South Island.

The nearest higher peak is Mount McKerrow, 12 kilometres to the northeast.

[6] 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 fall in the form of rain or snow.

This climate supports the Ward, Foster, Elcho, and Baker glaciers on the slopes of the peak.

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