Multi-day Waitakere trail named after Sir Edmund Hillary

29 September 2009

A four-day trail through the Waitakere Ranges and along Auckland’s west coast is being named the ‘Hillary Trail’ after pre-eminent mountaineer and explorer Sir Edmund Hillary.

The Hillary Trail combines an Auckland Regional Council (ARC) vision to create a ‘long trail’ or multi-day tramp through the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park with a tribute to New Zealand’s most celebrated outdoorsman. The trail will open in January 2010.

ARC Chairman Michael Lee says the Hillary name will add stature and recognition to this grand concept.

“We are delighted that Ed Hillary’s family have granted us the use of the Hillary name. The ‘Hillary Trail’ conveys a sense of adventure and a focus on youth in the wilderness, which is just what we wanted to achieve when we began work on this concept,” he says.

“On behalf of the people of the Auckland region I would like to thank Peter and Sarah Hillary for the honour of using their family name, and to acknowledge June, Lady Hillary for her blessings.”

“As well as acknowledging the great legacy of Ed Hillary, this connection marks the long association that this family has had with the Waitakere Ranges and Auckland’s west coast, including the donation of land at White’s Beach – trail walkers will go through this land,” he says.

Peter Hillary, son of Ed Hillary and the late Louise Hillary, is delighted his fathers name is to be recognised on Auckland’s west coast.

"Auckland's wild west coast is one of the jewels of the region - breathtaking, invigorating and one of the country's most picturesque coastlines. As a family we were raised on weekend adventures out here and we are delighted that this trail will bear our father' name. Call me biased but the Hillary Trail is one of the finest tramping experiences in New Zealand!"

The Hillary Trail is a back to basics tramping experience that begins at the cultural gateway to the Waitakere Ranges, the Arataki Visitor Centre, and takes trampers on a freedom trail along the west coast to Muriwai.

It connects up an existing network of tracks, includes back country campsites and offers connections to public transport. The idea of the trail was suggested by western park rangers who often field public inquiries about overnight tramping options in the Waitakere Ranges.

Chair of the ARC’s Parks and Heritage Committee Sandra Coney says the Hillary Trail epitomises self-discovery and adventure in the wilderness.

“This self-guided trail is designed to build confidence and skills and inspire people of all ages to experience walking, tramping and camping in our region,” she says.

Cr Coney says the ARC concept has comprehensive goals that are aligned with the legacy of Ed Hillary.

“Introducing young people and families to overnight tramping, connecting to public transport, and emphasising accessibility and affordability are values and aspirations that we feel are in keeping with the great Hillary name,” she says.

The naming of the Hillary Trail was suggested by Waitakere City Mayor Bob Harvey.

“Sir Ed’s legacy will live on in this magnificent trail,” he says.

“A great icon deserves a great walk. This is one to match the world renowned Heaphy and Milford tracks of the South Island.

“The West Coast was Sir Ed’s second home. Anawhata was his favourite beach; a place he called the most beautiful on the planet.

“He would have loved walking the black sand beaches and native bush of the Hillary Trail."

The Hillary Trail will be opened on Monday 11 January 2010. In the meantime the ARC will work with local Iwi, local councils, the Department of Conservation and neighbouring land owners on some of the finer details.

Much of the planning and infrastructure work on the trail has already been done and essential components, such as remaining track maintenance and development of a campsite at the Craw Homestead, will be completed in the coming months.

Once the trail opens, trampers will be able to download information from the ARC website, pick up a booklet or have an orientation by rangers at the Arataki Visitor Centre. The Centre will provide information about the Hillary Trail, the significance and west coast connections of the name, and the values of the Ranges, including points of special interest and history. Essential information will include transport options, maps, camping and accommodation options and booking details.

ENDS

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