In 1955, esteemed New Zealand mountaineer Norman Hardie led one of the two summit pairs that made the first ascent of Kangchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world. He played an important part in three expeditions with sir Edmund Hillary and was a director of his Himalayan Trust. He went to Antarctica three times, including as leader of Scott Base, and was also involved in many mountain rescues. An eventful life is recounted here with clarity, humour and wit.