It is situated in the Southland Region of South Island, and set within Fiordland National Park which is part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises 2,000 metres (6,562 feet) above the Hollyford Valley in three kilometres.

[4] The mountain was named by Alex Dickie to honour Tūhawaiki, a paramount chief of the Ngāi Tahu Māori iwi.

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

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