Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre to open in January 2008
05 Nov 2007
A $7.5million centre showcasing the pioneering heart of New Zealand's national identity is scheduled to open at the Hermitage Aoraki Mt Cook in January 2008.
The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, designed to encompass and represent the human endeavour required to explore the majestic Aoraki Mt Cook landscape, will bring together a state-of-the-art 3D theatre, a planetarium and a museum.
The Hermitage Hotel General Manager Denis Callesen said the centre would be an inspiring visitor experience.
''This centre has been designed to become a 'must see' icon of New Zealand tourism. Technologically it is more advanced than any 3D theatre or planetarium ever developed in this country and the museum brings together objects that tell an amazing story of human endeavour and achievement.''
The centre adjoins the Hermitage Hotel and it is intended to continue some of the Hermitage’s long traditions such as the Mount Cook Sunset Cocktail hour - a concept that was popular in 1950’s - 1970's. Three observation decks will provide sunset views to Mount Sefton and Aoraki Mount Cook.
In the 3-D theatre, using a blend of computer animated graphics and real footage, a screen adventure will take visitors climbing, flying and skiing from the Ngai Tahu creation story of Aoraki Mount Cook to the majestic Southern Alps as they stand today.
The Planetarium features a Sky-Skan Definiti Dome to show the Mt Cook night sky in a mixture of science and entertainment. It provides a spectacular audio-visual experience available only at the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.
The museum showcases the history of the Mount Cook region through the key themes of transport, climbing, the Hermitage Hotel and Sir Edmund Hillary himself.
Sir Edmund lends not only his name but also his whole-hearted support to the project which will in turn support his Himalayan Trust.
Surrounded by glaciers, rocks, rivers, lakes and valleys, Aoraki Mount Cook is an iconic, must visit destination for both New Zealanders and international visitors. In 2006 it was voted number 6 on the 101 Must-Do's for Kiwi's in the nationwide AA Travel domestic travel survey.
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