Exploring in a Modern World with Mountaineer Peter Hillary
From the summit of Mount Everest to the icy reaches of Antarctica, Peter Hillary has spent decades exploring some of the planet's most remote places. The son of Sir Edmund Hillary, he has built an extraordinary legacy of his own—becoming the first second-generation climber to summit Everest, completing the Seven Summits and establishing a new overland route to the South Pole.
As a special guest aboard National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions voyages, Hillary shares the stories behind those remarkable adventures while considering a larger question: What does it mean to be an explorer in the modern world?
Through this collection of photos, Hillary reflects in his own words on a lifetime of adventure—from growing up alongside one of history's greatest explorers to discovering why expedition travel by sea remains one of the most rewarding ways to experience the planet.
Born to Explore
"I had the ultimate upbringing. My siblings and I went to school and had the usual education, and at the end of each term there'd be a growing anxiety in the household—where would our father take us next? It could be anywhere—Alaska, the Himalaya, the Australian desert."
Those early adventures alongside his father, Sir Edmund Hillary, sparked a lifelong passion for discovery. As Hillary later reflected, "It was such an exciting way to grow up and made me realize I wanted travel and exploration to be a big part of my life too."
His Own Path
Following in the footsteps of his father, Hillary set out to create a legacy of his own. He became the first second-generation climber to summit Mount Everest, completed the Seven Summits—the highest peak on each of the seven continents—and established a new overland route to the South Pole during an 84-day Antarctic ski expedition.
What Exploration Means Today
"Often we tend to see exploration as something from the past, like climbing a mountain or crossing an ocean for the first time. But there are infinite possibilities—can we do it lighter? Can we take a more difficult route?"
In Hillary's view, exploration isn't simply about firsts. It means continuing to push boundaries, approaching familiar challenges in new ways and discovering what people can accomplish when they fully apply themselves.
Hillary stands on the peak of Mount Denali in Denali National Park.
Sharing the Adventure
“I am primarily on board [National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions voyages] as a guest speaker to talk about my experiences mountaineering and on expeditions to remote locations. But I also enjoy hosting dinners with guests, going ashore and sharing wonderful experiences, like wandering along a bouldery beach while penguins walk by.”
These shared moments offer guests a rare window into a lifetime of exploration, revealing not just the triumphs of Hillary’s expeditions, but the challenges, lessons and unexpected experiences that have shaped him along the way.
Guests listen to the day's daily Recap in the lounge aboard the National Geographic Orion. Photo: Gemina Garland-Lewis
Exploring by Sea
Traveling by expedition ship opens the door to some of the planet’s most remote coastlines and islands. As Hillary explains, “The most important aspect is you are going to places that are difficult or impossible to reach by land or air, or best accessed by ship.”
The National Geographic Resolution in Paradise Harbour, Antarctica. Photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins
The Lasting Impact
"When you are out exploring, you are expanding your mind and how you interact with the world. Traveling to remote places and experiencing nature and the landscape changes you."
For Hillary, the greatest expeditions leave more than memories. They deepen our understanding of the natural world, broaden our perspective and inspire us to see both ourselves and the planet differently.
Hillary standing above Orne Harbor, Antarctica. Photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins
Travel with Peter Hillary: Join Peter Hillary aboard select Alaska and Antarctica voyages in 2027 and hear firsthand stories from his lifetime of adventure.
