Young Kiwis conquer Antarctic mountain

Four young New Zealanders, including William Pike who lost his leg during the 2007 eruption of Mount Ruapehu, have just returned from successfully summiting Mt Scott, in Antarctica.

Pike was with film-maker Simon Lucas, Royal New Zealand Air Force officer Sylvie Admore and Newshub journalist Isobel Ewing.

The group was hand-picked from approximately 100 applicants for the Antarctic Heritage Trust’s second Inspiring Explorers’ Expedition, led by the Trust’s executive director Nigel Watson.

Nigel Watson says the trip’s biggest challenge on the guided ascent was route finding because of the poor visibility on the lower reaches of Mt Scott.“There was extensive crevassed country. Mt Scott itself is a beautiful peak, set in the most awe-inspiring vista. The team spent 24 hours completing the adventure and remained in good spirits throughout.”

The group travelled to and from Antarctica onboard the 117-metre vessel One Ocean Navigator,which is owned and operated by expedition partner One Ocean Expeditions.

The Inspiring Explorers’ initiative is about encouraging young people to connect with Antarctica’s history and the spirit of exploration. Mt Scott is named after Captain Robert Falcon Scott whose Antarctic legacy the Trust cares for.

“All of our participants will be working hard to share the story of their Antarctic adventure both online and in person –we hope this inspires other Kiwis to make the most of exploring this fantastic world we live in,” says Nigel Watson.