Applications are now closed.
Thanks to everyone who applied. We will be in touch with all applicants when the review process is complete.
Connecting young people with the spirit of exploration
Do you have a strong curiosity to go out and explore the world and share your stories with others?
Do you want to get out of your comfort zone by travelling to the world’s most extreme environment?
Are you interested in learning about Antarctica’s history, environment, wildlife, science and stories of early exploration?
Do you have special skills that will enable you to share these stories with other young people in New Zealand and around the world?
Antarctic Heritage Trust is providing an opportunity of a lifetime in March 2020 for a group of young people from New Zealand to participate in the Inspiring Explorers’ Expedition™ 2020 to the Antarctic Peninsula. The expedition is heavily sponsored and participants will be expected to share their stories to inspire others with the spirit of exploration.
This expedition follows on from the success of the Trust’s previous Inspiring Explorers’ Expeditions, including the 2019 expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula.
The expedition will take place from 6 March to 20 March 2020, including travel time from New Zealand and back.
Our Inspiring Explorers will fly to Ushuaia, Argentina, from there they will embark on the voyage south to the peninsula.
What does the expedition involve?
This expedition will provide up to five participants with the opportunity to explore Antarctica with Antarctic Heritage Trust and Mike Dawson (two-time Olympian and NZ kayak champion). Expedition Partner Quark Expeditions will lead guided kayaking journeys from a vessel through Antarctic waters.
There will be time to explore the Antarctic Peninsula, see the marine mammals and wildlife unique to Antarctica, and visit historic Antarctic explorer bases.
Highlights of this expedition include:
- An opportunity to explore the Antarctic Peninsula with expert guides.
- An opportunity for students to learn and develop new skills, such as kayaking.
- An opportunity to join Olympian Mike Dawson and Expedition Partner Quark Expeditions kayak guides for kayaking adventures.
- Learning about Antarctic wildlife and science.
- Learning about the history of Antarctica and its importance to the world today.
- The chance to get out of your comfort zone and do something you’ve never done before.
Why are we doing this expedition?
Antarctic Heritage Trust wants to connect young people with the spirit of exploration by providing opportunities for them to go out and explore the world, to get them off their devices and out of their comfort zones. This trip will offer people a chance to push themselves, to connect with experts, and learn about the history, science, wildlife, environment and legacy of exploration in Antarctica. Participants will discover the spirit of exploration in the world’s most extreme environment and experience the spirit of the early polar explorers; a remarkable legacy the Trust cares for on behalf of humanity.
Who should apply?
Read the full Eligibility Criteria and Expedition Member Obligations.
Inspiring Explorers must:
- Be between 18 and 30 years of age.
- Currently reside in New Zealand.
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand.
- Be confident kayaking in open water.
- Contribute NZD$2000 towards the expedition costs.
The top character traits we are looking for include:
- An adventurous spirit.
- Team player.
- Curiosity.
- Desire to share your experience to inspire others.
- Resilience.
- Positive attitude.
- A sense of humour.
Applications close midnight NZ time on 28 October, 2019.
What are Inspiring Explorers’ Expeditions™?
Antarctic Heritage Trust is a New Zealand-based charity with a vision of inspiring explorers. Through its mission to conserve, share and encourage the spirit of exploration, the Trust cares for the remarkable expedition bases of early Antarctic explorers including Scott, Shackleton and Hillary.
Through the Trust’s Inspiring Explorers’ Expeditions, we aim to provide opportunities for young people to experience the world’s polar regions. These expeditions engage people with the legacy and spirit of exploration, inspiring a new generation of explorers.
