The great outdoors

Edmund Hillary

Edmund Hillary

His 1953 ascent of Mt Everest, the planet’s highest peak, brought him worldwide fame, but of greater significance, perhaps, was his humanitarian contribution to the Sherpa people of the Himalayas. more...

Exploring New Zealand's interior

Exploring New Zealand's interior

The European exploration of inland New Zealand was a long process. Claiming, taming and naming the landscape was a fundamental part of settlement and colonisation. more...

Scenery preservation 1903-1953

Scenery preservation 1903-1953

It was a fresh way of seeing New Zealand. The Scenery Preservation Act of 1903 meant the value of land was no longer purely economic. Scenic, scientific, historic and natural curiosity values were also considered important. more...