Why Hillary Still Matters
Sir Edmund Hillary is more than a national hero or mountaineering icon. He's a symbol of what’s possible when courage meets humility, and ambition is tempered by service. Yes, he conquered Everest with Tenzing Norgay in 1953, but his greatest ascent might have been what he built after that: the schools, the hospitals, and the legacy of compassion in the Himalayan region. It’s no wonder his story still resonates with outdoor lovers, gearheads, and weekend warriors alike.
His name echoes through New Zealand's wild places, and not just because a trail bears it. Hillary’s life was rooted in the outdoors long before he stood on top of the world. Raised in Tuakau, trained on the Southern Alps, and often seen pounding local trails near Auckland, Sir Ed knew the power of local terrain to shape global dreams.
The Life and Legacy of an Explorer
From the icy slopes of Everest to the white silence of Antarctica, Hillary’s adventures were the real deal. No Instagram. No GPS. Just raw landscapes and a deeper drive to push beyond the edge. But what makes him so relevant now isn’t just what he achieved, it’s how he did it. His ethos was simple: work hard, stay humble, and help others.
And let’s not forget his dry, Kiwi humour. After reaching the summit of Everest, his first words were, “We knocked the bastard off.” Iconic.
Grit and Generosity: The Values We Still Climb With
That spirit of resilience and quiet courage lives on in today’s outdoor community. When you lace up your boots and step onto a misty ridge or icy scree field, you’re tapping into the same mindset Hillary carried across continents. Grit. Focus. And maybe a bit of weather-induced grumbling.
Hillary didn’t stop at personal glory. Through The Himalayan Trust, he helped build dozens of schools and health centres in Nepal. He understood that the true purpose of adventure was giving back to people, to places, to the planet. It’s a lesson we hold close at Wyld Peak. Responsible adventuring isn’t just about what you pack; it’s how you tread, who you uplift, and what you leave behind.
If Hillary Were Hiking Today
If Sir Ed were hiking today, he’d still be chasing a challenge, no doubt. But he’d also be checking his gear for a purpose. Durability, yes. But also impact. That’s why we design with longevity and sustainability in mind. The mountains demand gear that performs, and the world deserves gear that lasts.
So, where would Hillary hike in Aotearoa today? He had his favourites. The rugged coastlines of the Waitakere Ranges, where the Hillary Trail now winds through dense kauri and along black sand beaches. It was his training ground, long before he saw Everest.
Then there’s Mount Ollivier in the Aoraki/Mount Cook region, the first serious peak he climbed back in 1939. Not a technical climb, but a soul-stirring one.
And Tapuae-o-Uenuku in Marlborough, which he soloed in 1944 after a 32-kilometre approach on foot. That kind of mission isn't for the faint-hearted, but it’s proof of the adventure waiting in our own backyard.
Each of these hikes demands something from you. Endurance. Patience. Maybe a second pair of socks. But they also reward you with something harder to define: clarity, connection, and a sense of being part of something bigger.
A Legacy to Carry Forward
Sir Edmund Hillary taught us that real adventure isn’t just about how high you climb or how far you go, it’s about the difference you make along the way. His greatest legacy isn’t found only on the world’s tallest peaks, but in the classrooms he helped build, the communities he uplifted, and the enduring inspiration he sparked in others.
At Wyld Peak, that’s the kind of adventure we believe in. The kind where your gear doesn’t just help you reach the summit, it reflects your values, your spirit, and your purpose. Whether you’re chasing alpine horizons or heading up your favourite local trail, it’s about going with heart, humility, and a little of Sir Ed’s quiet grit.
Because, as Hillary once said, “People do not decide to become extraordinary. They decide to accomplish extraordinary things.”
Here’s to choosing the paths and the mindset that help us do exactly that.