The team boats into King Haakon Bay in zodiacs © Rob Stimpson
Diversity and inclusion
Antarctic Heritage Trust’s vision is Inspiring Explorers. In our mission to conserve, share and encourage the spirit of exploration we aim to recognise individuals’ unique stories and ancestry. Balancing their thoughts, ideas and perspectives to guide our journey. We aim to represent the diverse range of identities across the world in the work we do to preserve the legacy of Antarctic exploration, and to inspire the next generation of explorers.
Eligibility Criteria & Expedition Member Obligations
Antarctic Heritage Trust, in partnership with Antarctica21 is offering 22 inspiring young people from New Zealand, the chance to do something very special. Join us between 28 September and 17 October 2023 on an expedition to the world’s most incredible island, South Georgia.
The Inspiring Explorers™ team will fly from New Zealand to Santiago and on to Punta Arenas, Chile. After an overnight stop in Punta Arenas and completion of any pre-departure Covid testing, they will join the final flight to the Falkland Islands, where the Magellan Explorer will be waiting.
Eligibility Criteria
A key component in selection will be the applicant’s desire to inspire others to explore through their participation in this expedition and to complete an agreed outreach programme working with our Inspiring Explorers™ Programme Partners Met Service and Royal Society Te Aparangi.
Successful applicants will:
- Ideally be aged between 18-30.
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand.
- Be in good health with a reasonable level of fitness.
- Be willing to be part of a small team led by a professional guide and/or Expedition Leader.
- Be willing to be part of any filming taken during the expedition.
- Be willing to engage with Trust supporters and partners on board vessel.
- Possess an adventurous spirit.
- Have the desire and ability to inspire others.
- Be excited to share your experience with the public and media.
Obligations on Successful Applicants
- To participate in a team building weekend prior to the expedition on 17-18 June 2023. In addition, those chosen for the Mount Worsley climb will be required to undergo further team building and skills verification by our chosen mountain guides, dates to be confirmed (but it will be over the New Zealand winter).
- To comply with all Health & Safety regulations and requirements; including Covid-19; both from Antarctic Heritage Trust and/or any third parties, such as Antarctica21 or airlines.
- To not make public your involvement in the expedition (outside your immediate whanau/family) until advised by Antarctic Heritage Trust;
- To participate in media and profiling activities arranged by Antarctic Heritage Trust;
- To contribute content (for example photographs) before and during and after the expedition;
- To consent for Antarctic Heritage Trust to use content for promotions (including web and social media channels);
- To act in a responsible manner as a representative of Antarctic Heritage Trust while on the expedition;
- To travel to Punta Arenas, Chile on 28 September 2023 and return to New Zealand on 17 October 2023 as part of the expedition team on flights booked by Antarctic Heritage Trust;
- To act as an ambassador for Antarctic Heritage Trust, including engaging with future Inspiring Explorers™ programmes, if requested
Expedition Costs
Antarctic Heritage Trust will meet the costs for the expedition cruise, guide, economy class air-travel from your place of residence in New Zealand to the Falkland Islands and return on an airline of the Trust’s choosing, plus accommodation and meals (within agreed limits) while in transit. Travel to/from your place of residence in New Zealand to Falkland Islands is as one large expedition group. Individual changes to itinerary are not permitted.
Selected Inspiring Explorers™ will:
- Make a financial contribution of NZD2000 towards the significant cost to deliver this expedition, with NZD1000 to be paid immediately upon acceptance, with balance to be paid by Friday 16 June 2023.
- Arrange adequate personal insurance, which covers medical evacuation and repatriation, including cover for Covid-19, and personal contents insurance including camera/laptop gear etc; and supply evidence of cover to the Trust before departure.
- Agree not to have any personal sponsors/gear sponsors for participation in the expedition;
- Be prepared to wear/use sponsored gear supplied by Antarctic Heritage Trust, if asked;
- Supply all appropriate personal outdoor equipment and clothing for the trip. A list of required gear will be provided by Antarctica21, in due course;
- Cover the costs for securing any visas and taxes required for travel under your travelling passport;
- Cover costs (if any) for your excess baggage;
- Cover costs for any other incidentals;
- Be fully vaccinated for COVID-19*
- Undertake a medical, if required.
* You are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines when you have completed a COVID-19 vaccine primary series and got the most recent booster dose available in your country of residence. If you have completed your primary series—but are not yet eligible for any further boosters—you are also considered up to date. In New Zealand this is commonly considered two primary doses plus 1 booster dose.
The Trust reserves the right to cancel the expedition or not take a participant(s) for any reason and without recourse, including circumstances beyond the Trust’s control. In that unlikely event, the Trust will only be responsible for refunding the expedition contribution (if paid), incurred by a participant(s) at the time of written notification provided by the Trust. If a selected Inspiring Explorer is unable or unwilling for any reason to partake in the expedition the Trust will endeavour to find a replacement but will not guarantee refund of the participant’s contribution.
