Sir Ed, 88, not at alpine centre preview

Sir Edmund Hillary

Sir Edmund Hillary is believed to be unwell, and will not be attending a preview on Tuesday of the Mt Cook alpine centre named in his honour.

But organisers hope he will be able to go to an "official" opening of the $7.5 million Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre next year.

Lady June Hillary said yesterday that Sir Edmund was fine.

"He's 88, and that's what he has to deal with," she said.

Sir Edmund spent a short time in hospital in April after a fall during a trip to Nepal.