ED HILLARY & THE HILLARY FAMILY
On 29 May 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay made history as the first people to summit Mount Everest. Reaching the summit proved to be just the beginning.
This is the story of a man, and family, who never stopped climbing – always pushing beyond perceived limits, uplifting others, and leaving the world a better place than they found it.
About this website
This is the official website of Ed Hillary IP Ltd and the Hillary Family which owns and manages the intellectual property and naming rights of the Sir Edmund Hillary estate. It exists to protect, preserve, and grow the legacy of one of the world’s most beloved explorers.
The IP is managed and owned by Sir Edmund Hillary’s son and daughter; Peter Hillary and Sarah Hillary and their families.
About Ed Hillary
People do not decide to become extraordinary. They decide to accomplish extraordinary things.
Sir Edmund Hillary lived those words. From the summit of Everest to the valleys of Nepal, he spent his life proving that bold action, paired with genuine care for others, could change the world. It simply takes the will to act.
That spirit didn’t end with him. Today, his legacy lives on through the work of the Hillary family and the philanthropic organisations they champion – most notably the Himalayan Trust – continuing the good work Sir Ed would still be doing if he were here today.
Sir
Edmund
Hillary
Mountaineer, explorer, author, diplomat, and philanthropist – Sir Edmund Hillary lived one of the most extraordinary lives of the 20th century. On 29 May 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first people to summit Mt. Everest, proving that boldness and preparation could conquer even the world’s greatest peaks. For Sir Edmund, Everest proved to be the beginning of a lifetime of adventure.
In 1958 he pioneered a new route across Antarctica to reach the South Pole, and led numerous Himalayan expeditions; pushing the boundaries of human endurance and discovery. He built 42 schools and hospitals for the people of the Mt. Everest region, an achievement he regarded as his greatest – because he always believed that true success must lift others up.
He contributed to the establishment of Sagarmatha National Park, supported reforestation programs at the base of Mt. Everest, and championed conservation initiatives across Nepal, driven by his deep belief that nature must be protected for future generations to explore and cherish.
For his achievements, Sir Ed was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, awarded the Hubbard Medal by President Eisenhower, and appointed a Knight of the Order of the Garter – the United Kingdom’s highest and oldest honour. He received nine honorary doctorates; recognition not just of what he climbed, but of what he built and who he was. Sir Ed passed away on 11 January 2008, but his legacy climbs on – in every school built, every summit attempted, and every life inspired to find its own Everest.
Stronger Together
On 29 May 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay stood together on the roof of the world – the first people ever to do so. But their story was never just about the summit. It was about trust, respect, and the unshakeable belief that the greatest achievements are always shared. That spirit of partnership remains at the heart of the Hillary & Tenzing families today.
Join an Adventure
Embark on the
Journey of a Lifetime
The Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer
Inspired by one of the greatest and most iconic adventures of our time, the Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer invites you on an epic journey by rail and luxury coach throughout the majestic South Island of New Zealand.
Learn More
The Pinnacle Tour
A luxury tour of New Zealand's South lsland with Pounamu Tourism hosted by Peter Hillary.
This tour provides you a personal insight into one of New Zealand’s greatest story.
The Arctic & Antarctica
From the icefields of the Arctic to the vast penguin colonies of Antarctica, Hillary family members often join expedition voyages as guest speakers and expedition members.
Take a look to see what trips are available now.
Trek in Ed's footsteps
Travel with the charitable organisations continuing Ed's work in the Himalayas.
Learn MoreContact Us
Continue the Adventure
We’d love to hear from you. Reach out today, and let’s start planning your next great adventure with the Hillary Family.
