Inspiring Explorers Expeditions™

Connecting young people with the spirit of exploration and encouraging them to go and explore the world.

The largest bird of the southern ocean, they magnificent giant wandering albatross nests at south Georgia. The oftentimes form dedicated couples. Here we see an adult couple on a nest. One of them is raising its wings.This scene was shot on Prion Island, one of the more remote locations on South Georgia.

Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ South Georgia

Presented by respected operator Antarctica21, Antarctic Heritage Trust’s ninth Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ will honour the centenary year of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s final expedition (Quest 1921–1922) which journeyed to South Georgia and marked the end of the heroic-era of Antarctic exploration.

It will provide an opportunity for 22 young New Zealanders aged 18-30 to explore South Georgia Island, connect with the legacy the Trust cares for and embrace their spirit of exploration.

Mount Worsley Climb

As part of our wider Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ South Georgia, three members of the team will have the added opportunity to join Expedition leader, Nigel Watson, and two professional mountaineering guides on the first Kiwi ascent of Mount Worsley, in recognition of Kiwi explorer Frank Worsley, the mountain’s namesake.

Applications are now closed

Encouraging the Spirit of Exploration

Antarctic Heritage Trust’s Inspiring Explorers Expeditions™ provide opportunities for young people to experience and challenge themselves in Antarctica and the polar regions.

These expeditions connect young people with the legacy the Trust cares for and encourage them to embrace that same spirit of exploration. It is a spirit as critical in the 21st century as it was over a century ago.

By making the legacy the Trust cares for relevant, young people will identify with it, value it, and in the future be motivated to protect it.

The expeditions not only change participants’ lives, they create a platform to share inspiring stories and experiences with participants’ communities and a wide audience.

Inspiring Explorers (2017) climbing Mt Scott, Antarctic Peninsula.

Antarctic Heritage Trust - Shackleton-Scott
Sir Ernest Shackleton, Captain Robert Falcon Scott and Dr Edward Wilson on the British National Antarctic Expedition, 2 Nov 1902.

Building a Leadership Legacy

The iconic Antarctic explorers Shackleton, Scott and Hillary embodied the qualities of truly exceptional leadership. Their remarkable stories of leadership in the face of adversity have resonated around the world for over 100 years.

The Inspiring Explorers Expeditions™ create opportunities for the young change-makers of tomorrow to connect with and be inspired by the qualities of those heroic Antarctic leaders.

The expeditions provide life-changing perspectives through challenge and exploration in the world’s most pristine and unforgiving environments. Antarctica is crucially important in today’s cutting edge research into climate change, biology and meteorology.

Just as crucial is fostering the Shackletons and Hillarys of the future—the young people who will draw on the great legacies of the polar heroes to drive change and instigate new perspectives for tomorrow’s world.

Link to: Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ 2022 – South PoleLink to: Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ In the Footsteps of HillaryLink to: Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ Mahu Whenua Traverse
Link to: Antarctic Peninsula 2020Link to: Antarctic Peninsula 2019Link to: Greenland Ice Cap
Link to: Climbing Mount Scott, Antarctic PeninsulaLink to: Crossing South Georgia