It is situated on the crest or Main Divide of the Southern Alps,[4] and set on the boundary shared by the Canterbury and West Coast Regions of the South Island.

Topographic relief is significant as the northwest slope rises 765 metres (2,510 feet) in one kilometre.

[2] The mountain is named after George Phipps-Williams (1846–1909), a surveyor or engineer employed on the construction of the New Zealand Midland Railway which crosses Arthur's Pass below this peak.

This climate supports the Temple Basin ski area on the southwest slope of the peak.

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