First Ladies of Aoraki Mount Cook
From the 1870s, a generation of bold women made mountaineering history around Aoraki Mount Cook. They claimed space in the mountains, defying conventions and forging a legacy that shaped every woman who followed. Then their stories were quietly erased.
Drawing on scattered records, oral histories and forgotten stories, Great Hearts resurrects their extraordinary achievements, blending nonfiction with reimagined fiction in a tribute to their resistance, courage and grit.
To look inside, click here.
Pre-order now — books will be shipped 10 September
‘Hazel Phillips gives voice to the so-called “weaker sex”, the early women alpine explorers, who mostly remain nameless but were there, pushing limits.’ — Anna Keeling, President, New Zealand Mountain Guides Association
‘Filled with courageous women who spring to life on the page, Great Hearts is an accessible and essential addition to outdoor literature.’ — Naomi Arnold, author of 2026 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards finalist Northbound
‘The extraordinary endeavours of women battling prejudice, sexism, male ego and ill-suited clothing to win their place in New Zealand mountaineering history.’ — Sir Graeme Dingle KNZM MBE, mountaineer and philanthropist
