Mrs Sam stove inside Shackleton’s Nimrod hut at Cape Royds. 2018. © AHT/Lizzie Meek.
Cost
How much will the expedition cost?
Antarctic Heritage Trust has fundraised extensively over the past few years to help cover the majority of the costs of this expedition for chosen Inspiring Explorers™. Donors to our Inspiring Explorers™ Fund as well as a significant contribution from Expedition Partner, Heritage Expeditions, mean that we have been able to keep costs to an absolute minimum. We ask each Inspiring Explorer™ to contribute NZD $2000 towards the expedition, with a payment of $1000 to be made immediately upon acceptance and the remaining balance payable by 20 December 2024.
Antarctic Heritage Trust will pay for:
- All flights for the expedition
- All accommodation and incidentals directly before and after the expedition
- The expedition itself, including permits, guides, transport, food and group equipment costs
- Any travel required and accommodation for the team building and post-expedition porgramme weekends
- Travel insurance covering the expedition and associated travel
If selected for the expedition, you will need to cover the following costs:
- NZD $2000 towards the expedition
- Overweight/excess baggage fees (if required)
- Personal clothing and equipment (to be advised)
- Any visas required for the expedition
If you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident living outside New Zealand, you must cover the costs of returning to New Zealand for all the required dates for this expedition (team building in November 2024, the expedition in January 2025, and the post-expedition programme in April 2025).
If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident living outside Australia or New Zealand, and offered a ‘Heritage Conservation’ role, you must cover the costs of returning to Australia or New Zealand for all the required dates for this expedition (team building in November 2024, the expedition in January 2025, and the post-expedition programme in April 2025).
What if I can’t afford the expedition cost?
Should you find the cost of the expedition a limiting factor then please reach out to us on our contact information, we will do all we can to make sure this opportunity is available to anyone meeting the eligibility criteria and make decisions on a case-by-case basis.
How much will the team building and post-expedition programme (de-brief) weekends cost?
The Trust has fundraised to cover the cost of travel to and from the team building and de-brief weekends in Christchurch. Food and accommodation will also be provided for the weekend. This is thanks to our Inspiring Explorers Fund donors and sponsors. This means that only additional personal purchases will be at your expense for successful applicants.
The Expedition
Why go to the Ross Sea?
The only example left of humanity’s first dwelling on any continent is in Antarctica. The heroic-era polar explorers established a number of bases there to explore the then largely unknown icy continent.
The Trust cares for the expedition bases of explorers Carsten Borchgrevink, Captain Robert Falcon Scott, Sir Ernest Shackleton and Sir Edmund Hillary, on behalf of the global community, launching world’s largest cold-climate heritage conservation project, the Ross Sea Heritage Restoration Project, in 2002.
To celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Trust’s Inspiring Explorers™ programme, we are sending an Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ team to the Ross Sea region for the first time. This expedition offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the early Antarctic explorers and experience the rich history and legacy they left behind.
What does the expedition involve?
Antarctic Heritage Trust is offering a team of young people the chance to join a ship-based Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ Ross Sea Antarctica from 7 January 2025 to 4 February 2025. Participants will learn about Antarctic history and the Trust’s work to safeguard the historic huts of legendary polar explorers such as Scott and Shackleton, gaining first-hand knowledge about the world’s largest cold-climate heritage conservation project, both before the expedition, from the Trust’s expert team, and on the voyage, directly from Al Fastier, the Trust’s former Programme Manager Ross Sea Heritage Restoration Project, who has spent the past 18 years leading the conservation of these incredible sites.
Snow build-up on southwest elevation of Scott’s Terra Nova hut. 2012-13. ©AHT/Jana Stefan
Are there fitness requirements?
All applicants should be of reasonable fitness, stamina, resilience and able to walk on uneven terrain for up to 4/5 hours. The nature of the weather and temperature in Antarctica means a moderate level of fitness is required as the freezing conditions can be energy sapping.
Click here to read Heritage Expeditions full conditions of carriage.
Will I visit the heroic-era historic huts?
Due to the unpredictable nature of ice, weather conditions, and other environmental factors, Heritage Expeditions cannot guarantee specific landings, though we hope to visit the following historic huts on Ross Island: Carsten Borchgrevink’s hut at Cape Adare, Shackleton’s hut at Cape Royds, Scott’s hut’s at Hut Point and Cape Evans.
Will I visit modern Antarctic bases?
Visits to scientific field stations Scott Base and McMurdo Station, both on Ross Island, are high on Heritage Expeditions wish-list, but ice, weather and station operational requirements can often make them inaccessible. We also hope to visit an Italian research station at Terra Nova Bay, where the scientists are always hospitable, sharing their scientific research and also, perhaps, the best ‘espresso’ in Antarctica!
When is the expedition and for how long?
The expedition will take place between 7 January–4 February 2025, beginning and ending in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Travels include from Queenstown to the Port of Bluff, alongside Heritage Expeditions passengers, on 8 January. The ship departs later that day, setting course for the Ross Sea region via Subantarctic Islands. The ship arrives back in Bluff on 3 February, and we will return to Queenstown that same day for a debrief with the Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ team. Flights will depart Queenstown the following day.
Prior to the expedition, there will be a team building weekend in Christchurch between 22–25 November 2024, that the Inspiring Explorers™ will need to be able to attend. After the expedition there will be a debrief weekend at a location in New Zealand between 11-13 April 2025, that participants must attend.
Where is the Ross Sea and what’s it like?
The Ross Sea is a vast body of water located approximately 3,500 km south of New Zealand, adjacent to the Antarctic continent. It is one of two areas around Antarctica characterised by a wide continental shelf, with the Weddell Sea being its counterpart on the opposite side of the continent.
The Ross Sea is known for its extreme environmental conditions, including frigid temperatures and seasonal ice cover. The Ross Sea is home to a diverse array of marine life, including penguins, seals, whales, and various fish species, making it an important ecosystem for Antarctic biodiversity. Its waters are also rich in nutrients, supporting large populations of phytoplankton and krill, which form the base of the Antarctic food chain. The region is of significant interest to scientists studying climate change, marine ecology, and the unique adaptations of polar organisms.
How long will it take to get to the Ross Sea and how do you get there?
From the Port of Bluff in New Zealand, we depart for the Ross Sea with Heritage Expeditions aboard the Heritage Adventurer. The voyage takes approximately ten days to reach the Ross Sea, with stops along the way at Subantarctic Islands: North East Island (The Snares), Enderby Island (Auckland Islands) and Macquarie Island.
The Heritage Adventurer will spend 11 days in the Ross Sea region, during which we hope to visit a number of historic sites and scientific research bases, while taking in views of spectacular scenery and wildlife.
The ship will then take approximately six days to return to the Port of Bluff, with a stop at the Subantarctic Campbell Island between days as sea.
A pair of home-made crampons hanging from a corroded iron hook on the bunks of Nelson and Day, Biology area, Scott’s Terra Nova hut, Cape Evans. 2022. © AHT/Zack Bennett
What and when is the Team Building Weekend?
Prior to the expedition, there will be a team building weekend held in Christchurch from 22–25 November, which the Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ team members are required to attend.
The purpose of the weekend is to create a strong team, by forming bonds and connections, and enabling everyone to work towards a common goal. The weekend will involve practical activities and meeting with the Trust’s team, who will share insights into our programmes and the conservation work we do on the Ice, as well as start to grow your Explorer Mindset.
Other key areas that will be discussed over the weekend include Health and Safety, individual and group outreach projects, expectations for the expedition, what you should bring, what you need to prepare, and answer all the key questions you might have.
What and when is the Post-expedition Programme (De-brief Weekend)?
Following the expedition, we will hold a de-brief weekend in Christchurch from 11-13 April. Our Inspiring Explorers™ team will get back together to share insights, work on their outreach (both as a team and individually) and share thoughts, impacts and feelings about the expedition. This is an opportunity to process our experiences and show you how to channel the things you learned on the expedition into valuable life skills, professionally and/or personally.
During the weekend, you will further develop your explorer mindset through engaging workshops, helping you grow. There will also be an opportunity to give feedback on our expedition, to ensure your views are used to continue evolving our programmes.
What sort of Outreach do I need to participate in?
Outreach is a critical part of the Trust’s Inspiring Explorers™ programme. If you travel to Antarctica with us on this once-in-a-lifetime expedition, you will return with so many stories to tell!
On returning from the expedition, we encourage the Inspiring Explorers™ to share their stories and experience to advocate for the continued conservation of the important cultural heritage sites of the Ross Sea region.
Your individual outreach responsibilities include delivering three presentations in your community and writing a blog about your experience for publication on the Trust’s website.
If this seems daunting, don’t worry, you will be fully supported to achieve these requirements. You will receive coaching and practice at speaking in front of an audience while on the expedition, we can help you with suggestions for organisations that would love for you to visit and tell your story, and we will supply you with resources to help you share the work of the Trust. We can also provide support to help you write your blog.
You will also contribute to a group outreach project, which will be to produce a podcast series about the expedition that also tells the story of the Trust’s work to conserve the historic huts belonging to Antarctica’s early explorers. As a team you will learn what it takes to conserve Antarctica’s cultural heritage directly from the Trust’s expert conservation team, both before and during the expedition. For the podcast series, we will be recording this learning journey and your own experience of stepping inside the historic huts.
If you have been selected for a ‘Podcast Outreach’ role in the team, you will plan the podcast project in collaboration with the Trust, capture content before and during the expedition, and help with post-production of the podcast series with support from the Trust.
If you are selected for ‘General’ and ‘Heritage Conservation’ roles in the team you will take part in interviews both individually and in group settings, prior to, during and after the expedition, to share your knowledge, perspectives, experiences, and the impact the expedition has on you.
A skua flies above sea ice cracks at Cape Evans. 2008-09. © AHT/Anna Shepherd
Application and selection
Who can apply for this expedition?
We are looking for a range of young people aged between 18–35 with an interest in Antarctic history, and a desire to grow their explorer mindset and be pushed outside their comfort zone.
From New Zealand: we are looking for general applicants, and applicants with specialist skills to support the podcast outreach project. These include skills in interviewing, voiceover work or presenting, radio or podcast production, sound engineering/audio recording. You must be a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand.
From New Zealand and Australia: we are looking for young people with specialist skills in heritage conservation. You will be studying, working in, or have worked in (within the last two years), an area of heritage conservation which relates to the Trust’s conservation work in Antarctica, for example objects conservation, built heritage conservation (with a focus on timber structures), archaeology, heritage architecture, heritage management. You will not require a work visa for this expedition but a travel visa to enter New Zealand may be required, depending on your passport. The Trust will be able to assist you with this if required.
From elsewhere in the world: Citizens of countries elsewhere in the world are eligible to apply for a ‘heritage conservation’ role in the team if they are residing long term in New Zealand or Australia, and are studying or working within the heritage conservation field. If this is the case, please make this obvious within your application, and provide proof, such as a record of your enrolment in a heritage related course of study at a New Zealand or Australian academic institution, or a letter from your New Zealand or Australian based employer.
All applicants must hold a valid passport.
Please read the full Eligibility Criteria and Expedition Member Obligations for all requirements.
Emperor penguins at Cape Evans with Mount Erebus in the background. 2014. © AHT/Lizzie Meek
What are the limitations around age?
While our application age range is between 18 – 35, we appreciate there are some unique situations around this. If you are currently 17 but will be 18 at the time of the expedition, you are welcome to apply. If you are currently 35 but will be 36 by the time of the expedition, you are also welcome to apply. In both these cases, please contact us on inspiring@nzaht.org for further instructions. Unfortunately, we can’t take any application from under 18’s and will not look to process applications from anyone over 35 at the time of application.
What if I am a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident living overseas?
New Zealand citizens or permanent residents living overseas are eligible to apply, however you must cover the costs of returning to New Zealand for all the required dates for this expedition (team building in November 2024, the expedition in January 2025, and the post-expedition programme in April 2025), and you must be able to show that you have met, or are able to meet, all immigration and health requirements.
Can I apply as an Australian citizen?
Under New Zealand Immigration law, Australian citizens and permanent residents can live and work in New Zealand. Those who are Australian Citizens/Residents and can prove they currently reside in New Zealand are more than welcome to apply for all positions on Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ Ross Sea Antarctica. If this applies to you, please contact us on inspiring@nzaht.org for further instructions.
If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident currently living in Australia, you are eligible to apply for a ‘heritage conservation’ role if you are studying, working in, or have worked in (within the last two years), an area of heritage conservation which relates to the Trust’s conservation work in Antarctica.
If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident currently living outside Australia or New Zealand, you are eligible to apply for a ‘heritage conservation’ role if you are studying, working in, or have worked in (within the last two years), an area of heritage conservation which relates to the Trust’s conservation work in Antarctica. However, you must cover the costs of returning to Australia or New Zealand for all the required dates for this expedition (team building in November 2024, the expedition in January 2025, and the post-expedition programme in April 2025), and you must be able to show that you have met, or are able to meet, all immigration and health requirements.
What is the application process?
Please check the Eligibility Criteria to ensure you qualify for the Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ Ross Sea Antarctica before applying. There are a few stages to the application process in which applicants will be vetted and some will not be able to carry on.
The application process is outlined below:
- Register/create an account.
- Part 1: Complete the online application form – written questions, contact information, referee details and declaration.
- Part 2: Record and submit six video responses to interview questions (a link will be emailed to you to complete the video responses).
- Part 3: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to take part in a live video interview with the Antarctic Heritage Trust team.
- Part 4: Antarctic Heritage Trust will advise successful applicants.
Please contact us on inspiring@nzaht.org if you have any questions about the application process.
What is the selection process?
The Trust’s selection panel will review all applications and choose a shortlist of applicants to interview. Following interviews and reference checks the successful team will be advised. There will also be reserve spaces offered, in the event that a member of the team has to pull out.
Can I apply if I have a permanent disability?
Antarctic Heritage Trust welcomes applications from everyone and strives to be an inclusive and equitable organisation. However, this expedition will require a certain level of physical and mental ability in order to meet the health and safety requirements set out onboard the ship and when on land. Please contact us on inspiring@nzaht.org to discuss your unique situation as we will strive to make this opportunity as accessible as possible.
Antarctic Heritage Trust Conservation Ambassador Diana McCormack brush-vacuuming artefacts inside Shackleton’s Nimrod hut, Cape Royds. 2017. © AHT/Al Fastier.
What do I do if the video interview platform (Spark Hire) isn’t working properly?
If you have issues with the video interview platform then please reach out to us on inspiring@nzaht.org. Please note that Spark Hire is a third-party platform, so in many cases we will refer you to the Spark Hire website’s help function to solve any issues you may be experiencing. The Spark Hire video interview platform is compatible with most portable devices, so you can record on a small handheld device rather than a computer or laptop. Should you not have the equipment required to record your answer then please contact us and we’ll ensure you can get a full application submitted and be considered for one of the places on our expedition.
Can I change my application once it’s been submitted?
No. So please ensure you’ve planned exactly what you want to say and even had a practice before recording your video answers. You will be able to re-record your answers up to five times so practice beforehand. Please also be aware each video response has a set time limit. These time limits will be available for you to see to plan and practice your answer.
Can I bring or nominate a friend or partner to come with me?
We welcome you to share the expedition details with your friend or partner but please note everyone must apply through the same process. You are welcome to note/mention friends and partners within your application, but no preference or discrimination will be given on this basis.
Can I use my mobile to record my video responses to the interview questions?
The application website is mobile compatible, so you should be able to complete your application on your phone, including your video responses.
Should you have issues with this please contact us on inspiring@nzaht.org.
Do I need any experience to apply?
No previous experience is necessary to apply for ‘General’ positions on this expedition. We are seeking applicants with a sense of adventure and interest in Antarctic history and conservation, who are willing to inspire their communities.
For those looking to apply to for the specialist positions:
- Experience in interviewing, voiceover work or presenting, radio or podcast production, and/or sound engineering/audio recording is essential for the ‘Podcast Outreach’ positions.
- For the ‘Heritage Conservation’ roles, you must be studying, working in, or have worked in (within the last two years), an area of heritage conservation which relates to the Trust’s conservation work in Antarctica, for example objects conservation, built heritage conservation (with a focus on timber structures), archaeology, heritage architecture, heritage management.
There will be specific questions on your professional background and experience when applying for these roles.
How do I apply for the specialist Podcast Outreach/Heritage Conservation positions?
As part of the initial application process you will be able to identify your interest in being selected for the specialist positions. You will then have additional questions to answer around your professional experience and/or study relevant to the positions. Please see the additional requirements to be considered for this trip set out in the Eligibility Criteria and Expedition Member Obligations.
Will my application be shared with anyone else?
All applications are held securely through our application website adhering to the Privacy Act 2020. Information may be shared with our expedition partners in strict confidence as part of the selection process.
How do I contact you about my application?
Should you have any further questions then please contact us on these details:
Mike Barber – Inspiring Explorers™ Programme Manager
Email – inspiring@nzaht.org
Phone – +64 3 358 0212
Blubber stove and sleeping platform in the Stove Area, Scott’s Discovery hut, Hut Point. 2015. © AHT/Lizzie Meek.
Shackleton’s Nimrod hut, Cape Royds, with the Royal Society Range in the distance. 2017. © AHT/Chris Ansin.
Equipment
What specific gear do I need?
All participants will need to have their own clothing and equipment or be willing to hire any gear they do not have.
A full gear list will be shared with successful candidates. You can expect this to include cold weather clothing, meaning warm layers, quality cold weather clothing and good wind/waterproofs.
Good UV protection is a must. Quality sunglasses and high factor sunscreen is also a must.
Taking a pair of binoculars is advised as it will be a great way to see more of the amazing wildlife up close.
A waterproof backpack or dry bag inside a day backpack is advised to carry your belongings during shore excursions.
The Trust will provide a team jacket to each team member as a memento and piece of quality Antarctic clothing.
How much will the gear cost?
Depending on how much gear you need, the cost of buying equipment and/or hiring equipment will vary. When sending out gear lists, we will aim to give you guidance on quality and locations for purchase as you don’t need to buy the most expensive equipment available to stay warm and dry. The Trust may be able to provide discounts for purchasing clothing through our industry links.
How much can I bring with me on the expedition?
Baggage will be limited to what an airline can carry. Usually this is around 23kg plus hand luggage, but this will be confirmed with the successful applicants.
Can I bring personal sponsorship on the expedition?
The Trust does not allow any formal sponsorship of our Inspiring Explorers™ personal contribution of NZD $2,000 towards the expedition. With over 97% of the expedition fundraised for by the Trust, we have priority obligations to our current donors and sponsors. We highly encourage you to reach out to your community such as your church, local service organisations, clubs, to fundraise towards your personal contribution to the expedition. If you need support with this please contact Mike Barber at m.barber@nzaht.org and we can put you in touch with organisations that can help you fundraise for your contribution.
Can I bring my devices, phone, laptop, camera etc?
You’re welcome to bring any devices you choose. Successful applicants will receive further information on what expensive items may not be covered by insurance in due course. Any items we ask you to bring as part of your outreach will be covered, however it will be your responsibility to look after all personal items.
Can I bring a drone?
Visiting the historic sites in Antarctica requires a number of permits, which will be acquired by the Trust and Heritage Expeditions. Should your outreach work require a drone then a permit for operating this will be organised by the Trust, but will likely require you to hold a drone pilots licence. Bringing your own drone solely for personal footage or images won’t be allowed.
Ship
Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ Partners
Will I have to share a room?
Yes. Our Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ will have two explorers to every cabin. The Trust will allocate cabins to the selected applicants.
What will I eat on the ship?
There are high quality chefs on board the Heritage Adventurer who make a huge range of delicious food ensuring you’ll never go hungry. As well as three good meals a day there is always tea, coffee and other drinks available. This, as well as frequent morning and afternoon tea treats.
Do you cater for dietary requirements?
The on-board ships culinary team can cater for almost any dietary requirement. We will ask you about food allergies during the application process and check to ensure the ship can cater for your needs, which in most cases, it can.
What if I get ill or seasick on the ship?
If you’re prone to seasickness then please see your GP before leaving for the expedition and they will likely prescribe some anti-nausea tablets, liquid or even patches. Whilst it’s possible the ship may experience some larger swells the route we’re undertaking isn’t known for huge dangerous seas and the ship is built to handle ocean swell with minimal disturbance to the passengers.
Should you get ill on the expedition there is an on-board medical clinic and physician with experience in emergency medicine. Please ensure you fill in all forms regarding health honestly to ensure they can look after you as best as possible.
What if I take prescription medication?
Please bring an extra supply on the expedition to ensure you’re covered for any unexpected delays. Any regular medication should be noted in the forms that we will ask successful applicants to fill in.
Will I be able to exercise?
There is a small, but adequate, air-conditioned gym on board. Available equipment includes small weights, a treadmill, bicycle machines and some other types of exercise equipment. Moving around on deck will also help with keeping the body moving and be a form of exercise. During certain landings, weather permitting, there will be options to take part in hikes and various other walks.
Will there be WIFI on board?
While the ship has the ability to be constantly in contact with the shore, we encourage you to take this time to disconnect and enjoy such a unique environment. There are Wi-Fi packages available to purchase on board but if you need contact with family or friends back home the Trust will ensure this can happen.
Will I have phone reception?
Prior to boarding the ship there will be phone reception in most places between Queenstown and Bluff. There will be no reception when sailing to and from the Ross Sea.
Are there laundry facilities on board?
Some laundry facilities may be available. Further information will be communicated to our successful applicants.
Weddell seal. 2008-09. © AHT/Al Fastier
Natural ice sculpture among the pressure ridges near Scott Base. 2008-09. © AHT/Anna Shepherd
Anything Else!
What is the Explorer Mindset?
The Trust’s Inspiring Explorers™ programme is built around developing an explorer mindset. The qualities of curiosity, resilience, leadership, innovation and teamwork helped Antarctica’s early explorers to further science, test the limits of human endurance, and explore the unknown. Our expeditions involve programme work prior to the expedition, whilst on expedition, and when we return from the expedition. This is to develop your explorer mindset to help in both your personal and professional lives. These qualities are what we want to help develop and instill in our community of Inspiring Explorers™ alumni.
How cold is it on Ross Island?
Ross Island experiences relatively mild temperatures (for Antarctica) during January, which falls in the summer season. Average temperatures on the island during this month typically range from -5°C to 5°C.
While these temperatures are very cold by most standards, they are actually among the warmest experienced in Antarctica throughout the year. The 24-hour daylight during this period contributes to the milder conditions. However, it’s important to note that weather can be highly variable, and wind chill can make it feel significantly colder. Despite being the “warmest” month, you will still need to be prepared for harsh Antarctic conditions.
In January 2024, the average temperature at New Zealand’s Scott Base was -5°C, with a high of 2°C and low of -15°C.
What will the weather be like on the trip?
You will likely encounter a range of weather conditions as you travel from New Zealand to the Subantarctic Islands and the Ross Sea region.
On the Subantarctic Islands, you can expect cool and changeable weather, with temperatures generally ranging from 5°C to 10°C. These islands are known for their windy conditions and frequent rainfall, so waterproof gear will be essential.
As you move further south towards the Ross Sea region, temperatures will drop significantly. In this area, even during the summer, temperatures typically hover around freezing, ranging from -5°C to 5°C. The Ross Sea area is characterized by its unpredictable weather patterns, including the possibility of strong katabatic winds. While you’ll experience 24-hour daylight, which can make the weather feel milder, be prepared for rapid changes in conditions, including the potential for snow or ice even in summer. It’s important to note that long-term weather predictions are challenging, especially in these remote regions, so flexibility and proper cold-weather gear will be crucial for your comfort throughout the trip.
Adélie penguins at Cape Evans. 2022. ©AHT/Nicola Stewart
How many people live on the Subantarctic Islands and Ross Island?
The New Zealand and Australian Subantarctic Islands, and Ross Island, have very small permanent human populations. These islands are primarily inhabited by temporary residents, mainly scientists and support staff.
The New Zealand subantarctic islands, including the Auckland Islands, Campbell Island, and the Snares, have no permanent inhabitants but host small groups of researchers during summer months. Similarly, Australia’s Macquarie Island typically accommodates around 20-40 scientists and support personnel throughout the year.
On Ross Island, the largest human presence is at McMurdo Station, the main American research station in Antarctica. During the summer season (October to February), McMurdo’s population can swell to over 1,000 people, including scientists, support staff, and military personnel. In winter, this number drops significantly, usually to around 250 people.
Nearby Scott Base, New Zealand’s Antarctic research station, typically houses about 80 people in summer and around 10-15 in winter.
It’s important to note that these populations fluctuate based on research needs, funding, and seasonal conditions, and there are no permanent, indigenous inhabitants on these remote islands.
What wildlife will I see?
During your visit to the New Zealand and Australian Subantarctic Islands and the Ross Sea region, you’ll have the opportunity to observe a diverse array of wildlife adapted to these harsh environments.
On the Subantarctic Islands, you’re likely to encounter various penguin species, including king, royal, and rockhopper penguins. These islands are also home to numerous seabird species such as albatrosses, petrels, and skuas. Marine mammals like elephant seals, fur seals, and sea lions are common sights on the beaches.
As you move towards the Ross Sea region and Ross Island, you’ll have chances to spot Adélie and emperor penguins, with the latter being particularly iconic to Antarctica. The waters of the Ross Sea are rich in marine life, potentially offering glimpses of orcas, minke whales, and leopard seals. On land, you might observe Weddell seals lounging on ice floes.
While larger land animals are absent in Antarctica, you may see some hardy invertebrates and plants that have adapted to the extreme conditions. Remember that wildlife sightings can vary depending on the specific locations visited and the time of year, but these regions offer some of the most unique and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities in the world.
Emperor penguins on the ice near Phoenix Airfield. 2022. ©AHT/Zack Bennett
