Aoraki / Mount Cook’s South Ridge to Become Hillary Ridge

Aoraki / Mount Cook’s South Ridge will be renamed Hillary Ridge, after one of New Zealand's most recognised and admired national figures, Sir Edmund Hillary.

The Minister for Land Information, Hon Maurice Williamson, agreed with the New Zealand Geographic Board Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa – New Zealand's place naming authority – to alter the name of the South Ridge to Hillary Ridge.

Dr Don Grant, Chairman of the Board, said the Minister’s decision, made on 29 July, confirmed the Board’s recommendation to honour Sir Edmund and his significant contribution in New Zealand and abroad. After taking all views into account, both the Minister and Board agreed that altering South Ridge to Hillary Ridge was most appropriate.

"Sir Edmund was one of New Zealand’s most loved national figures and naming a significant and visible geographic feature after this remarkable New Zealander was one of many suggestions made to the Board to honour and commemorate him and his life's work," Dr Grant said.

The feature is a prominent ridge clearly seen from the Aoraki / Mount Cook village and the surrounding area, and forms an impressive section leading to the summit of the mountain.

Sir Edmund's personal association with the feature began in February 1948, as one of the party of four to make the first successful ascent of South Ridge. The climbers in that party were guides Harry Ayres and Mick Sullivan, who both led Sir Edmund and Ruth Adams.

"The location and prominence of this significant geographical feature is befitting for this great mountaineer and adventurer," Dr Grant said. "For people to be able to clearly see this ridge and associate it with Sir Edmund and his life’s achievements makes it very much a commemorative feature."

Dr Grant said the altered name will become official when it is gazetted by the Board on 18 August 2011.

In response to some submissions, the Board is now currently consulting on a separate proposal to name an alpine feature between Douglas Peak and Mount Haidinger after Harry Ayres. The Ayres Ridge proposal is open for public submissions until 16 September 2011.