KEY POINTS:
The ashes of the man who took New Zealand to the top of the world in 1953 were scattered on the inner Hauraki Gulf yesterday afternoon, to mingle with the waters from which he took so much joy.
The nation mourned Sir Edmund Hillary's January 11 passing in unison, and television pictures of his state funeral in St Mary's Church in Parnell went around the world.
But yesterday's ceremony, aboard the youth development vessel Spirit of New Zealand, was quiet and private, in accordance with his wishes, a family statement said.
In his book View From the Summit, published nearly 10 years ago, Sir Ed said he had never had any desire to end his days at the bottom of a crevasse on a mountain.
"I've been down too many of them for that to have much appeal."
He said he wanted to die peacefully, and would "like my ashes spread on the beautiful waters of Auckland's Hauraki Gulf to be washed gently ashore, maybe on the many pleasant beaches near the place where I was born. Then the full circle of my life will be complete."
That circle was completed yesterday under a strong sun, with soft winds and a gentle sea complementing a ceremony that the family politely asked the news media and the public not to attend.
Lady June Hillary, Sir Ed's son Peter and daughter Sarah were among the 30 family and friends including Prime Minister Helen Clark present.
Lady June climbed down the five steps of a new gangplank dubbed the "Hillary Step", putting her a hand's breadth above the waterline for the "dignified scattering", Spirit of Adventure Trust chief John Lister said later.
When the vessel left Princes Wharf, a troop of its uniformed trainees formed an informal guard of honour for the family.
The gangplank, paid for by a private charitable trust, will stay on the vessel and be used to help disabled passengers re-board after swimming.
The yacht sailed to a point in line of sight between a window at the Hillarys' Remuera home and North Head in Devonport, before Sir Ed's ashes were scattered at 5.45pm.
A brief ceremony was conducted by the Anglican Dean of Christchurch, Peter Beck, who was also involved in Sir Ed's state funeral.
Yesterday was the 49th day since Sir Ed died - the day that in the tradition of Tibetan Buddhism ends seven weeks of mourning.
Mr Lister said a service was also held yesterday in Nepal.
