Mount Cran is a mountain in Canterbury, New Zealand.
Mount Cran is in the Ben Ohau Range of the Southern Alps on New Zealand's South Island, within the Canterbury Region. The peak is located south of Mount Cook Village. Runoff from the mountain's northwest slopes drains to the headwaters of the Dobson River, whereas drainage from the other slopes flows east to the Tasman River via Freds Stream and Birch Hill Stream. Topographic relief is significant, with the summit rising above Birch Hill Stream over a horizontal distance of . The nearest higher peak is Mount Sealy, approximately to the north. The summit was first climbed in March 1916 by Harold Sloman and Conrad Kain.
The mountain's toponym honours Charles George Cran (1899âÂÂ1985), who was well-known in the farming community, managed several high-country stations, and was an original member of the Land Settlement Board. This mountain's toponym has been officially approved by the New Zealand Geographic Board.
Climbing routes with first ascents:
Based on the Köppen climate classification, Mount Cran is located in a marine west coast (Cfb) climate zone, with a subpolar oceanic climate (Cfc) at the summit. Prevailing westerly winds blow moist air from the Tasman Sea onto the mountains, where the air is forced upward by the mountains (orographic lift), causing moisture to drop in the form of rain or snow. This climate supports a small unnamed glacier on the peak's northwest slope. The months of December through February offer the most favourable weather for viewing or climbing this peak.