Kate Gardiner

Kate (Katherine Maude) Gardiner (21 September 1885–29 January 1974) was an English mountaineer who climbed extensively in New Zealand.

Biography Katherine Maude Gardiner was born in Wavertree, Liverpool, Lancashire, England on 21 September 1885. She was the daughter of the ship-owner, Frederick Gardiner who made the first ascent of Mount Elbrus and she climbed the Breithorn with her father when she was only 10 years old. but her mother had a long-term health condition and until her death in 1926 Gardiner was her caregiver. In 1926, soon after her mother's death, and having been inspired by pictures of Mount Cook, Gardiner made her first visit to New Zealand. In 1950 she returned to New Zealand and settled there for the rest of her life.

Gardiner joined the Ladies' Alpine Club in 1929 and was later elected President (1941–1943).