It lies to the west of the valley of the Clutha River, close to the town of Alexandra and the artificial Lake Roxburgh.

The range's Māori name, Kopuwai, means "Water Swallower", and was the name of a mythical giant who lived in the area.

[2] The range rises to a narrow ridge at a height of just over 1,500 metres (4,900 ft).

In contrast, the western flanks fall gently to a high plateau before rising to a lower ridge known as the Old Woman Range.

The plateau which has areas of both bare rock and marsh, is the source of numerous creeks, most of them part of the catchment of the young Waikaia and Earnscleugh Rivers.