4 February 2025
Al Fastier’s mentorship in Antarctic heritage conservation.
Throughout their journey to the Ross Sea region, our Inspiring Explorers™ have learned about Antarctic heritage conservation from someone who dedicated nearly two decades to protecting these remarkable sites. Al Fastier, the Trust’s former Programme Manager of the Ross Sea Heritage Restoration Project and a member of Heritage Expeditions crew, guided our explorers throughout the expedition.
Al’s extensive knowledge of the historic huts and their conservation has brought these sites to life for our team. From sharing stories of the early explorers to explaining the complex challenges of conserving buildings and artefacts in one of Earth’s most extreme environments, Al’s mentoring has given our young explorers unique insights into Antarctic heritage conservation.
Al has taught me about the importance of having history in context, and how important it is for these historic huts to be in the same place where it all happened in these isolated and extreme environments in Antarctica. His depth of knowledge, depth of caring for these places, and willingness to share all of that has been nothing short of inspirational. – Inspiring Explorer Maia Ingoe
In the end it’s only the stories that make a space a place, and I think Al’s story is as much part of those places as any of the others. To me, in many ways, the work he and the Trust team has done over the years is the most inspiring part of that story for me, because it’s easy to start from the beginning with carte blanche, but to preserve a legacy takes a lot of hard work, thought and careful curation, and to see what he’s doing there is a real inspiration. – Inspiring Explorer Daniel Borstein
Something that really stuck with me from Al was what he calls the ‘spirit of place’. It’s when you’re in these huts feeling the spirit of where you are – the stories there – and connecting with that is really special. There was a moment he told us to be quiet inside Scotts’ hut, Cape Evans and take that time to be there in silence – almost like in a church, and just feel it. That’s something special from Al I feel I’ll take with me in future to places that have historic significance. – Inspiring Explorer Calum Turner
Al’s authenticity, passion for the huts, good humour, and willingness to share his knowledge really made the experience and allowed us to feel the ‘spirit of place’. – Inspiring Explorer Lucy Hayes-Stevenson
Al taught me the significance of adopting the Inspiring Explorers’ mindset, instilling in me the understanding that with dedication, humility, and focus, I am capable of achieving remarkable feats. – Inspiring Explorer Ngawai Clendon
Thanks to our Inspiring Explorers™ Fund donors including Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ Partner Heritage Expeditions, and supporter Cheshire Architects for making this journey possible.
3 February 2025
Return to Queenstown.
After 28 incredible days at sea, our Inspiring Explorers™ have returned to Queenstown! Following their journey through the Subantarctic Islands to Antarctica’s Ross Sea region, the team has experienced something truly remarkable – walking in the footsteps of legendary Antarctic explorers and seeing firsthand the sites the Trust works to conserve.
From returning a unique artefact, ‘The Count of Monte-Cristo’, to Scott’s ‘Discovery’ hut, to learning about the Ross Sea Heritage Restoration Project from Al Fastier who spent 18 years leading these efforts, our young explorers have gained unique insights into Antarctic heritage conservation.
This marks the end of their physical journey, but their work continues as they share their experiences through their podcast series and community outreach.
2 February 2025
Archipelago astronomy in the Auckland Islands.
Yesterday our Inspiring Explorers™ explored the Auckland Islands including a long walk on Enderby Island and an evening visit to the main Auckland Island.
Enderby Island is a jewel in the Auckland Islands archipelago formed by ancient volcanic activity. The island was cleared of all introduced animals in 1994, and both the birdlife and vegetation has made a remarkable recovery.
The team landed at Post Ross, the site of an early but ultimately failed attempt to establish a whaling station and settlement in 1849. They also visited the site of a German science expedition in 1874 to study the transit of Venus from Auckland Island. A rare opportunity allowing them to measure the distance between the earth and the sun.
Sandy Bay is one of three breeding areas in the Auckland Islands for the rare Hooker’s or New Zealand Sea Lion. Here, beachmaster bulls gather to defend their harems during breeding season. The team had several options for walks, including a boardwalk that traverses the island to its dramatic western cliffs.
During their walk, they kept watch for the incredible diversity of birdlife that calls this island home, including Southern Royal Albatross, Auckland Island Flightless Teal, Yellow-eyed Penguin and Light-mantled Sooty Albatross.
As they returned to the ship after their final landing of our expedition, the team reflected on their inspiring month-long journey of growth and learning.
1 February 2025
Wildlife, hikes, and albatross encounters at Campbell Island.
Having bid farewell to Antarctica’s Ross Sea region and set a course towards home, our Inspiring Explorers™ reached Campbell Island yesterday, New Zealand’s southernmost Subantarctic territory. They explored Perseverance Harbour, where an abandoned New Zealand meteorological station stands alongside abundant wildlife including Campbell Island Shags, penguins, and rare Hooker’s Sea Lions.
Some of the team undertook a six-hour hike to the top of Mount Honey, while others completed a 12km loop from one side of the island to the other and back again. The highlight of their visit was seeing the hilltop breeding sites of Southern Royal Albatross. These magnificent birds have the largest wingspan in the world and are remarkably approachable, making them incredible to observe up close. The team were thrilled to see albatrosses nesting and soaring above them.
As the team journey towards New Zealand, they’re processing the extraordinary experiences they’ve had over the past weeks in Antarctica.
30 January 2025
Creating a podcast series.
As our Inspiring Explorers™ begin their journey home from the Ross Sea region, they’re working to shape hours of recordings into a unique podcast series that will share both their experiences and the Trust’s work conserving Antarctica’s remarkable cultural heritage.
Before the expedition, the team worked to develop their storytelling and interviewing skills. Throughout their journey, they’ve recorded ambient sounds, interviews – including conversations with Al Fastier who spent 18 years leading conservation work at the historic huts, and their own reflections about visiting these iconic sites.
The series will give listeners inside access to the historic huts, sharing the stories of the early explorers alongside the modern-day efforts to conserve their legacy. Stay tuned for the release of this special series!
28 January 2025
The Balleny Islands by zodiac.
On Monday our Inspiring Explorers™ team explored the wild and remote Balleny Islands by zodiac, and were excited to spot chinstrap penguins amongst a far greater population of Adélie penguins.
Located about 240 kilometres north of Antarctica, this volcanic island group was discovered in 1839 by Captain John Balleny. Named in his honour by the Admiralty, the islands include Sturge, Young, Buckle, Rowe, Borradaile, and Sabrina Islet.
The conditions were very cold and windy. From the waves and swell the team observed crashing against the coastline, it was obvious why so few people have ever landed in the Balleny Islands. The team felt privileged to be among the small number of people who have sighted this landscape of ice and rock. Our next stop on the journey back to New Zealand will be Campbell Island.
26 January 2025
Possession Islands and last glimpse of the icy continent.
Our Inspiring Explorers™ reached the Possession Islands yesterday – a group of small islands and rocks in the western Ross Sea that support tens of thousands of penguins. These rugged outcrops, which extend over 13 kilometres, lie off Victoria Land with the dramatic Admiralty Mountains forming a superb backdrop across the water.
The islands were named by James Clark Ross after he planted the British flag here on January 12, 1841, during his landmark expedition of Antarctic discovery.
The team was unable to land due to the density of wildlife on the beach and the size of the swell. They continued north and bid farewell to the Antarctic continent late in the evening, savouring the last glimpses of this magnificent place.
The Inspiring Explorers™ are now heading for the Balleny Islands on their way back to New Zealand.
25 January 2025
Ross Ice Shelf and Franklin Island.
Ross Ice Shelf
Our Inspiring Explorers™ reached the Ross Ice Shelf yesterday – the world’s largest floating body of ice. This natural barrier, with its dizzying 30-metre-high ice cliffs, once prevented many early explorers from venturing further south.
James Clark Ross first discovered what he called the “Great Ice Barrier” in 1841, and it would be another 60 years before the first explorers ventured onto its surface. As the team cruised along these towering ice cliffs, they’re confronted by its monumental scale, just as those early explorers were.
The team travelled along the Ross Ice Shelf in extreme Antarctic conditions, catching glimpses of it through falling snow that was blown by gusts of 45-50 knots. In the afternoon the weather had cleared enough to go ashore at Cape Bird to view the vast Adélie penguin colony.
Franklin Island
Our Inspiring Explorers™ also landed on Franklin Island yesterday, discovered in 1841 by James Clark Ross and named for Sir John Franklin, the noted Arctic explorer who had hosted Ross’s expedition in Tasmania on their way south. Rising 290 metres from the sea and stretching 9 kilometres in length, this desolately beautiful island is the eroded remnant of a shield volcano that formed nearly 5 million years ago.
The team explored the coastline near the island’s southwestern shore, home to an Adélie penguin colony and other nesting seabirds. At the southern end stands Bernacchi Head, a precipitous cliff named for Louis Bernacchi of the British Antarctic ‘Southern Cross’ Expedition 1898-1900.
24 January 2025
Returning a unique artefact to Scott’s ‘Discovery’ hut.
Our Inspiring Explorers™ reached Hut Point today!
Here, they stepped inside Scott’s ‘Discovery’ hut and had the honour of returning a unique artefact, a copy of The Count of Monte-Cristo which they helped conserve before the expedition.
This evocative object illustrates the harsh life the early Antarctic explorers experienced. The book is missing its cover and the well thumbed through volume is covered in sooty fingerprints and smells strongly of the seal blubber that fuelled stoves and lamps used by the heroic era explorers.
Each year Antarctic Heritage Trust is gifted artefacts from around the world that were originally from the historic huts. People have come to own these for various reasons. The Trust welcomes their return, and thanks to the Trust’s donors, we are able to conserve these artefacts and return them back to the expedition bases. Each object we return adds depth to our understanding of how the early Antarctic explorers lived and worked.
22 January 2025
Reflecting on Shackleton’s legacy at Cape Royds.
Our Inspiring Explorers™ visited Shackleton’s ‘Nimrod’ hut at Cape Royds today, perched on the western shore of Ross Island with Mount Erebus looming above.
Built for Shackleton’s British Antarctic Expedition of 1907-1909, this was the base for remarkable achievements including the first ascent of Mount Erebus and reaching a point just 156km from the South Pole – the furthest south anyone had travelled at that time.
The Trust spent six years conserving more than 6,100 artefacts at this site. During this work, conservators made an extraordinary discovery in 2010 – five crates of whisky and brandy beneath the hut, untouched for over a century.
Visiting Shackleton’s ‘Nimrod’ hut has left a life-long impact on our Inspiring Explorers™ team.
“As I stepped through the door I got a nostalgic vibe, like they are still here, not visibly, but you can feel them.”
Kitiona ‘Billy’ Pelasio, aged 17.
“I felt a lot of wairua in Te Reo Māori, in English that is spirit. The spirit of the ancestors who came before us. Shackleton showed bravery to go on such a journey.”
Ngawai Clendon, aged 21.
“At Cape Adare I felt the isolation and vulnerability, at Cape Evans I felt the loss, and at Cape Royds I felt a real sense of comfort and comradery and happiness.”
Lucy Hayes-Stevenson, aged 33.
21 January 2025
Midnight visit to Scott’s Historic ‘Terra Nova’ Hut, Cape Evans.
Our Inspiring Explorers™ visited Cape Evans yesterday, with the team taking advantage of the midnight sun for an evening visit to Scott’s ‘Terra Nova’ hut– the largest historic structure in Antarctica’s Ross Sea region.
Stepping inside was an emotional experience as the team absorbed the significance of this site, began to understand what life would have been like for Antarctica’s early explorers, and, guided by Al Fastier, witnessed first-hand the Trust’s years of work to conserve and safeguard the hut for future generations. Returning to the ship at 11:30pm, the team were in equal parts excited and reflective after this incredible experience.
Built in 1911, this shelter became the heart of Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s British Antarctic Expedition 1910–1913 and his second attempt to reach the South Pole.
The Trust’s conservation work here has been extraordinary in scale. Between 2007 and 2014, fifty-three specialists from twelve countries worked to preserve the hut and its collection of over 11,500 artefacts. Today, visitors can experience the hut exactly as it was left – a powerful time capsule of Antarctic exploration.
19 January 2025
Exploring Terra Nova Bay.
Our Inspiring Explorers™ team had an incredible day today in Terra Nova Bay, home to Italy’s Mario Zucchelli Station. This seasonal research station operates from mid-October to mid-March each year, providing crucial support for scientific research in Antarctica, including logistical support for remote field work and research activities in its laboratories. The bay also offers views of South Korea’s Jang Bogo Station, the occasionally used German base Gondwana Station, and China’s Qinling Station on Inexpressible Island.
In the morning, the team visited Gondwana Station, where they hiked up the hill behind the station for an incredible view across the bay and towards Jang Bogo Station. For team members Kitiona and Ngawai, walking on snow for the very first time was an exciting experience!
Back on the ship, the team saw Italy’s Mario Zucchelli Station on their way to Inexpressible Island. However, katabatic winds blowing 45 knots prevented them from going ashore. Instead, they continued south past China’s Qinling Station and the Nansen Ice Sheet to the Drygalski Ice Tongue, which they viewed up close from zodiacs.
17 January 2025
First Steps on the Antarctic Continent: Exploring the Ross Sea and Cape Adare.
Yesterday was a momentous day for our Inspiring Explorers™ as they entered the Ross Sea and had their first sighting of the Antarctic continent.
This vast body of water, one of Earth’s most pristine marine environments, is home to diverse wildlife including penguins, seals, whales, and various fish species. It is also Antarctica’s most historic region, where the expedition bases of legendary explorers still stand.
Late in the day, the team made their first landing at Cape Adare under dynamic conditions, surrounded by fast-moving sea ice and icebergs.
Cape Adare is home to Antarctica’s largest Adélie penguin rookery, where over a million penguins nest on the flat spit of land. Among this incredible wildlife spectacle stands Borchgrevink’s hut – the first building ever constructed in Antarctica. From here in 1899, 10 men proved humans could survive an Antarctic winter. The hut would later shelter Scott’s Northern Party during the ‘Terra Nova’ expedition of 1910-1913.
Led by Al Fastier, the Inspiring Explorers™ explored Borchgrevink’s hut and learned about its significance. Inside the hut, the team reflected on what it would have been like to endure winter in this small crowded space.
The Trust is working to conserve this historically significant site, which has endured over a century of the harshest conditions on Earth, including gale-force winds and extreme temperatures. Over the next eleven days, the team will continue their journey through the Ross Sea, with their route shaped by weather and ice conditions. With the expertise of Heritage Expeditions, they will take advantage of every opportunity to make landings or explore by Zodiac.
16 January 2025
First iceberg, blue whales, and Cape Adare awaits.
Last night the team saw their first iceberg and woke up today surrounded by ice 🧊
During the passage today the team couldn’t believe their eyes as blue whales surfaced on both sides of the ship. The first stop once the team reaches Antarctica will be Cape Adare, so tonight the team will be learning more about this historic site from Al Fastier.
15 January 2025
Crossing the Antarctic circle.
There have been lots of exciting moments for our team during our passage to Antarctica. So far we have seen bottle nose dolphins, long fin pilot whales, orca, and humpback whales, however, the highlight for today was crossing the Antarctic circle at latitude 66°30′ South. The team were given the ‘mark of the penguin’ 🐧 to recognise this milestone!
14 January 2025
En route to the Ross Sea.
On the second day of our passage to Antarctica the team were excited to be issued with their Antarctic jackets, ready for exploring Antarctica. We are hoping to spot our first iceberg tomorrow!
12 January 2025
Penguin colonies and subantarctic weather.
Today our Inspiring Explorers™ landed twice on Macquarie Island, visiting the Isthmus in the morning and Sandy Bay in the afternoon.
The team were blown away by their visit both literally and figuratively as they went ashore in zodiacs with 30knots of wind blowing, getting a true taste of subantarctic weather. Ashore they saw a vast Royal penguin colony, beaches lined with Elephant Seals and a noisy King Penguin colony. Maia and Calum also recorded content for the team’s podcast project.
Tomorrow they continue their journey towards Antarctica.
11 January 2025
The journey south continues.
The Inspiring Explorers™ were fortunate to have calm seas for their journey today. The team had a briefing on bio security requirements and spent time cleaning all their gear and having it inspected in preparation for landing at Macquarie Island tomorrow.
10 January 2025
Cruising the coastline.
Our Inspiring Explorers™ reached The Snares today – the closest Subantarctic Islands to New Zealand – taking advantage of calm seas to explore the coastline in Zodiacs.
The team encountered an abundance of fur seals and Snares Crested Penguins while cruising along the sheltered eastern side of the main island. Landings aren’t permitted on these pristine Nature Reserves, which are claimed to be home to more nesting seabirds than all of the British Isles combined.
Next stop: Macquarie Island!
9 January 2025
First stop on the journey south.
Our Inspiring Explorers™ began their journey south with a visit to Te Wharawhara Ulva Island – one of New Zealand’s few pest-free open sanctuaries. The team explored the island’s tracks, immersing themselves in its unspoiled rainforest while experiencing the vibrant sounds of native birds.
They had the unique opportunity to meet a predator detection team and learn about their vital work keeping the island predator-free, which has allowed threatened native species to flourish here since 1997. The afternoon saw them walking from Kaipipi to Oban on Rakiura Stewart Island.
Next stop: The Subantarctic Islands!
8 January 2025
Boarding Heritage Adventurer.
Today our Inspiring Explorers™ boarded the Heritage Adventurer at the Port of Bluff, marking the beginning of their journey to Antarctica’s Ross Sea region!
The ‘Grande Dame of Expedition Cruising’ as she’s known, Heritage Adventurer was purpose-built for polar exploration. With the highest passenger ship ice-class rating (1A Super), she has an impressive history of polar navigation including traversing both the Northwest and Northeast Passages.
Our team’s first stop will be Stewart Island/Rakiura, New Zealand’s third largest island, and Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara – one of the few pest-free open sanctuaries in New Zealand. Never milled and pest-free since 1997, Ulva Island’s unspoiled rainforest provides a safe haven for threatened native species including kiwi, saddleback and yellowhead. During this time, the team will also participate in briefings and presentations from Heritage Expeditions staff to prepare them for the incredible experiences that lie ahead.
7 January 2025
Inspiring Explorers™ assemble.
“A time-warp without parallel. You walk into Scott’s hut and you are transported to the year 1912 in a way that is quite impossible anywhere else in the world.” – Sir David Attenborough
Our Inspiring Explorers™ have gathered in New Zealand’s world-famous alpine resort town of Queenstown! Tonight they’ll meet their fellow passengers and some of the Heritage Expeditions team.
Tomorrow marks the start of their voyage through the Subantarctic Islands to Antarctica’s Ross Sea region and some of the most historically significant sites linked to the legacy of Antarctic exploration.
From the first buildings ever constructed in Antarctica to the birthplace of New Zealand’s Antarctic programme, the historic expedition bases of legendary explorers Scott, Shackleton, Borchgrevink, and Hillary represent humanity’s endeavor to understand Earth’s most challenging environment.
For over 20 years, the Trust has been conserving these sites through the Ross Sea Heritage Restoration Project – the largest cold-climate heritage conservation project ever undertaken. Our Inspiring Explorers™ will learn about this world-leading conservation initiative directly from Al Fastier, our former Programme Manager who spent 18 years leading these efforts.
The team will depart Queenstown for the Port of Bluff to embark the ‘Heritage Adventurer’, where they’ll familiarise themselves with the ship and take part in important safety briefings.
For many of our young explorers, this will be their first time experiencing the Southern Ocean and visiting Antarctica. The mix of excitement and nerves is palpable as they prepare to follow in the footsteps of legendary Antarctic explorers!
The Trust is excited to announce the eight young explorers who will walk in the footsteps of Scott and Shackleton and experience the Antarctic landscapes that challenged and inspired them.
The group, aged 16-35 from New Zealand and Australia, will join the tenth Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ which will travel to the Ross Sea region with Expedition Partner Heritage Expeditions, into the beating heart of Antarctic exploration and the focus of the Trust’s conservation efforts.
This exciting journey with Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ Partner Heritage Expeditions will immerse our Inspiring Explorers™ in the history of legendary Antarctic explorers like Captain Robert Falcon Scott, Sir Ernest Shackleton, Carsten Borchgrevink, and Sir Edmund Hillary. As guardians of their iconic expedition bases, the Trust is thrilled to bring Inspiring Explorers™ to the historic huts for the first time, bridging past and present, while passing along our expert knowledge of conserving Antarctica’s rich cultural heritage to the next generation.
Inside Shackleton’s ‘Nimrod’ hut at Cape Royds, Ross Island. © AHT/Rob McPhail
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Antarctic Heritage Trust
7 Ron Guthrey Road, Christchurch 8053, New Zealand
Private Bag 4745, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
Antarctic Heritage Trust
7 Ron Guthrey Road, Christchurch 8053, New Zealand
Private Bag 4745, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
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