[1] It is found in New Zealand in the mountains of northern South Island, above the tree line and as high as 2000 m asl.

[2][3][4][5] In New Zealand alpine grasshoppers can freeze solid at any time of the year and are alive when they thaw out when temperatures rise.

[6] Sigaus collinus is flightless and adults are relative large (females 32 mm),[2] and common amongst scree and tussock.

[7] Although widespread in 2020, about 97% of the habitat of the green rock-hopper grasshopper will be lost due to global warming by 2070.

In the Kaikōura Ranges (Mt Luxford) S. collinus hybridises with S. nivalis,[9] but elsewhere the two species are well differentiated.