Tūhura Otago Museum visitors will have an opportunity to see some of the tools he and Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay took up Mt Everest when they became the first to peak the world’s highest mountain 70 years ago.
Among the objects are Sir Edmund’s passport, his enamel coffee cup which still has dirt from Mt Everest stuck to the bottom of it and the Kodak camera he used to photograph the view from the top of the world.
The most famous photo he took was of Tenzing standing on the summit.
Surprisingly, he declined to have his own photo taken by Tenzing.
Museum spokesman Charlie Buchan said the museum planned to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the ascent with a small display in the People of the World Gallery, in October.
"It’s a token to remember the pretty influential New Zealander that did amazing things and put New Zealand on the map.
He was amazed the items were still in such good condition today, especially after they had been in such an inhospitable environment, Mr Buchan said.
"It’s probably because, back in the day, things were made to last.
"They’re priceless New Zealand artefacts that you can’t really put a value on."
The items were given to the museum by Sir Edmund’s second wife, the late Lady June Hillary, he said.
"She scattered a few of them throughout the country, giving certain items to certain museums, and we were lucky enough to get a few collection items from his trip down to the Antarctic, as well as some of the things he took to the top of Mt Everest.
"We’re excited to put them out so the public can come along and see them."
