Vale: Sir Edmund Hillary, legendary mountaineer and New Zealand icon

Sir Edmund Hillary, mountaineer, explorer and perhaps the most well-known New Zealander, has died.

In 1953 at the age of 33, he and Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay became the first climbers known to have reached the summit of Mount Everest.

Hillary became interested in mountaineering while in high school, making his first major climb in 1939. As part of the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition he reached the South Pole overland in 1958 and later travelled to the North Pole.

Following his ascent of Everest he devoted much of his life to helping the Sherpa people of Nepal through the Himalayan Trust, which he founded. Through his efforts many schools and hospitals were built in this remote region of the Himalayas.

New Zealand's eponymous Hillary Commission for Sport, Fitness and Leisure was established by the Sport, Fitness and Leisure Act 1987. It remained New Zealand's statutory body for sport, fitness and leisure until replaced by Sport and Recreation New Zealand in 2003.

New Zealand Recreation Association Chief Executive Brendon Ward has paid tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary, acknowledging his dedication to mountaineering and outdoor recreation.

"Sir Edmund was an inspirational Kiwi who will be sorely missed, but never forgotten," Ward stated, "he was an achiever. Not only did he set and attain incredible personal goals, but he challenged and motivated thousands of others, both in New Zealand and overseas.

"He showed us anything is possible when you put your heart and mind to it. He was an incredible role model - not only to those working in the recreation profession, but to everyone facing challenges and trying to overcome obstacles. He really was a legend."

Sir Edmund Hillary (top) and Sir Edmund with Tezing Norgay (below).