Mount Wilson is located 112 kilometres (70 mi) northwest of Christchurch in Arthur's Pass National Park in the South Island.

Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises 935 metres (3,068 feet) above the Edwards Valley in 1.6 kilometres.

[2] The first ascent of the summit was made in December 1930 by Evan Wilson and Andy Anderson via Upper Edwards Valley.

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

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