Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre opens in New Zealand

The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre has just opened at the Hermitage Aoraki Mount Cook, South Island, New Zealand, designed to showcase the pioneering heart of New Zealand's national identity.

The centre explains the human endeavour required to explore the majestic Aoraki Mount Cook landscape and brings together a state-of-the-art 3D theatre, a planetarium and a museum for visitors to the area to enjoy.

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 Mount 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 international visitors.

The Hermitage Hotel General Manager Denis Callesen said the centre would be an inspiring visitor experience.

''This centre 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.

The centre is open daily from 10am until late. Bookings are available from mid January 2008.

Located at The Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki Mount Cook on State Highway 80, 322km from Christchurch and 264km from Queenstown in the South Island of New Zealand.

For further information go to Hermitage.co.nz/accommodation/hillary-museum.

Admission charges as follows (in NZ$):

- The Planetarium costs $25 per adult, $12.50 per child and $50 for a family. This includes free entry to the museum
- The 3D movie costs $25 per adult, $12.50 per child and $50 for a family. This includes free entry to the museum
- The museum is $12.50 per adult, $7.50 per child and $25 per family for Museum only entry.

All tickets include a donation to Sir Edmund Hillary's charity the "Himalayan Trust".