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Inspiring Explorers’™ Latest Updates

Read all the latest news from our Inspiring Explorers™

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Travel Across the Atlantic

Across the Atlantic is directed by Te Aroha Devon, one of 22 young explorers on the expedition with climber Sam West and data scientist Jenny Sahng, who are featured in the film. The expedition honoured the centenary of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s final expedition, the Quest, which journeyed to South Georgia and marked the end of the heroic-era of Antarctic exploration.
April 7, 2025/by Comms

Historic Artefact Returns Home

The eight young explorers were tasked with returning a classic book to the icy continent and hoped conditions would permit them to get to the base where heroic era explorers had read it, Scott’s Discovery hut at Hut Point on Ross Island.
April 7, 2025/by Brittany Fox

Next Generation Step Inside Explorer Bases

This was the first time the Trust has taken young explorers to experience the legendary Antarctic explorers’ bases and understand the Trust’s conservation of them.
April 7, 2025/by Brittany Fox

Eight young explorers chosen to embark on trip of a lifetime

The Antarctic Heritage Trust has announced the eight young explorers who will walk in the footsteps of Scott and Shackleton and experience the Antarctic landscapes that challenged and inspired them.
November 28, 2024/by Mark Sanders

Inspiring Young Explorers

In the first half of 2024, the Trust hosted two significant Inspiring Explorers™ programme events: our sixth Young Inspiring Explorers™ Summit, held in April, and our third Explorer Conference, held in June.
September 27, 2024/by Mark Sanders

Wanted: Young Explorers to Join Antarctic Expedition

The Antarctic Heritage Trust, in collaboration with Auckland-based virtual reality tech company StaplesVR, is launching the first-ever educational virtual reality experience of Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s Discovery Hut and is bringing it to schools and communities across Aotearoa.
September 3, 2024/by Anna Clare

Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ 2025

To mark the tenth anniversary of the Trust’s Inspiring Explorers™ programme we will be offering eight young people a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the early Antarctic explorers by stepping inside the historic explorer bases the Trust cares for in Antarctica.
May 30, 2024/by Mark Sanders

Education Programme Update

The Trust’s Inspiring Explorers™ Education team had another productive year in 2023, touring our education programme and fully immersive virtual reality (VR) experience of Sir Edmund Hillary’s Antarctic hut.
May 30, 2024/by Mark Sanders

Expedition Blog – Lawrence Rothwell, South Georgia 2023

In this blog, Inspiring Explorer Lawrence Rothwell shares his experience on the Trust's Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ South Georgia 2023.
December 21, 2023/by Anna Clare

Encouraging the Next Generation of Antarctic Conservators

Since July 2023, the Trust has been working with Young Inspiring Explorers™ alumna Abby Wilson on her school’s ‘Adopt a Scientist’ research project. Abby chose to focus her studies on Antarctica’s heritage conservation and Dr Gabriela Roldan, Trust Education Manager who is also a Social Scientist, responded to the call and mentored Abby for four months.
December 14, 2023/by Mark Sanders

Icy Fun and Learning at Summit

In November, the Trust’s Young Inspiring Explorers™ Summit saw 25 students, aged 11-14, travel to Ōtautahi Christchurch from around New Zealand. Thanks to our donors, Royal Society Te Apārangi, and our major sponsor, the US Embassy and Consulate in New Zealand, this was our biggest Summit yet. This action-packed weekend was delivered in partnership with William Pike Challenge.
December 14, 2023/by Mark Sanders

Connections Create Life-changing Experience in South Georgia

Twenty-two young New Zealanders travelled with the Trust to South Georgia in October 2023 for our ninth Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ as part of the Shackleton Centenary Year Expedition.
December 14, 2023/by Mark Sanders

Young Kiwi explorers announced for largest ever Inspiring Explorers Expedition™

The Trust launched applications for its ninth Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ to South Georgia Island at a dinner at New Zealand’s Parliament Buildings, hosted by Hon Dr Duncan Webb, on 14 February 2023.
June 18, 2023/by Anna Clare

Applications Launched for Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ South Georgia

The Trust launched applications for its ninth Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ to South Georgia Island at a dinner at New Zealand’s Parliament Buildings, hosted by Hon Dr Duncan Webb, on 14 February 2023.
May 1, 2023/by Comms

South Pole Reached

The Trust’s Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ team reached the South Pole on 6 January 2023 after towing sledges 920km from the edge of the Ronne Ice Shelf.
May 1, 2023/by Comms

Inspiring Explorers™ Programme Manager on Board

The Trust welcomes Mike Barber to the team as Inspiring Explorers™ Programme Manager.
May 1, 2023/by Comms

Young Inspiring Explorers™ Summit – June 2022

The Trust’s Young Inspiring Explorers™ Summit in June 2022 saw a group of 20 students, aged 11-14, from around New Zealand spend an action-packed weekend in Christchurch with the Trust and Inspiring Explorer William Pike.
September 28, 2022/by Comms

Young change-makers channel the spirit of polar exploration

A team of six young New Zealanders have completed a gruelling 50km journey on skis through the Harris Mountains between Treble Cone and Coronet Peak.
September 5, 2022/by Comms

Announcing the Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ South Pole Team

The Inspiring Explorers ExpeditionTM team will leave in November 2022 and people can follow their journey online at nzaht.org.
August 1, 2022/by Comms

Calling all intrepid explorers, the South Pole is waiting!

Calling all intrepid explorers, the South Pole is waiting!
July 11, 2022/by Comms

Greenstone Production: “The Explorer Club”

The Trust has collaborated with Greenstone TV on a new children’s television series The Explorer Club. The series introduces iconic New Zealand explorers to kids through hands-on adventures of their own.
June 23, 2022/by Comms

Summit Reached In the Footsteps of Hillary

In February 2022, three young people from South Auckland, New Zealand summited their first mountain on the Trust’s Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ In the Footsteps of Hillary, and their exploits were filmed for a children’s television show.
May 31, 2022/by Comms

Paddling in Worsley’s Wake

In November, the Trust brought together twenty students from around Canterbury, New Zealand had the opportunity to follow in Frank Worsley’s footsteps.
December 19, 2021/by Comms

Expedition Team Prepare

Antarctic Heritage Trust’s Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ Mahu Whenua Traverse team met in Queenstown, New Zealand in September to prepare for  the expedition they will undertake in winter 2022.
December 19, 2021/by Comms

Students Upskill in Preparation for Expedition

In July, South Auckland high school students from Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate took their first steps in the Trust’s In the Footsteps of Hillary Inspiring Explorers Expedition™, which will culminate in an attempt to climb Mount Tapuae-o-Uenuku (South Island, New Zealand).
August 29, 2021/by Comms

Explorer Conference Inspires

Antarctic Heritage Trust was excited to deliver our inaugural Explorer Conference in South Auckland, New Zealand, which was attended by 100 Year 12 students from local high schools.
August 29, 2021/by Comms

Resilient, skilled, adventurous: the search for young explorers to open New Zealand’s new mountain traverse

AHT is searching for five young New Zealanders to be part of the first official expedition to cross the country’s new world-class ski route.
May 3, 2021/by Anna Clare

Augmented Reality Brings Antarctica to Life

Sadra Sultani was a member of the 2020 Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ to the Antarctic Peninsula.
April 30, 2021/by Anna Clare

Take a Musical Trip to Antarctica

Supported by the Trust, our 2020 Inspiring Explorers are busy delivering their outreach programmes following their trip to Antarctica.
April 28, 2021/by Anna Clare

2021 Inspiring Explorers Expeditions™

Sadra Sultani was a member of the 2020 Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ to the Antarctic Peninsula.
April 28, 2021/by Comms

Sadra’s Inspirational Outreach

Sadra Sultani was a member of the 2020 Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ to the Antarctic Peninsula.
April 28, 2021/by Comms

Sharing Stories to Inspire

Supported by the Trust, our 2020 Inspiring Explorers are busy delivering their outreach programmes following their trip to Antarctica.
September 7, 2020/by Comms

Test Your Boundaries

Interview with Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate Deputy Principal Shauna Eldridge
June 4, 2020/by Comms

Reach the World Partnership

Antarctic Heritage Trust's partnership with Reach the World
June 3, 2020/by Comms

Just Do It!

Interview with Inspiring Explorer Team Leader Marcus Waters
May 27, 2020/by Comms

Outside Your Comfort Zone

Interview with Inspiring Explorer Kayaking Mentor Mike Dawson
May 26, 2020/by Comms

Just the Beginning

Interview with Inspiring Explorer A'aifou Potemani
May 21, 2020/by Comms

It Can’t Get Better Than This

Interview with Inspiring Explorer Sadra Sultani
May 14, 2020/by Comms

A Dream Come True

Interview with Inspiring Explorer Jaylee Savage
May 11, 2020/by Comms

Experiencing the Spirit of Exploration

Five impressive young explorers with very different backgrounds and skillsets, were chosen from hundreds of applicants to have the experience of a lifetime on the 2020 Inspiring Explorers’ Expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula.
May 9, 2020/by Comms

Antarctic Expedition Inspires Young Explorers

Sometimes unexpected challenges can have a positive outcome, as discovered by the team on the Trust’s 2020 Inspiring Explorers’ Expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula.
May 9, 2020/by Comms

A Living Laboratory

Interview with Inspiring Explorer Laurette Siemonek
May 4, 2020/by Comms

Creativity Inspired by Antarctica

Interview with Inspiring Explorer Ihlara McIndoe
April 22, 2020/by Comms

Inspiring Explorers’ Haka

Starting as a group of strangers, the 2020 Inspiring Explorers bonded as a team. Here the perform a haka for fellow passengers aboard the Quark Expeditions ship, the Ocean Endeavour.
April 20, 2020/by Comms

As Far Away as Mars

Interview with Inspiring Explorer Anzac Gallate
April 17, 2020/by Comms

Overwhelming in its Vastness

Interview with Inspiring Explorer Owain John
April 10, 2020/by Comms

Calm in the Face of Uncertainty

Marcus and Shauna take time to consider the adventure our group has had over the past three weeks.
March 25, 2020/by Comms

An Alien Environment

Over the course of our adventure, we explored many different locations along the Antarctic Peninsula and witnessed a huge range of different environments and wildlife.
March 25, 2020/by Comms

The Power of Nature

Laurette and Mike reflect on our first and last adventures on and around mainland Antarctica.
March 25, 2020/by Comms

How Little We Are

In this post, Andrew and Jaylee look back on their time in Antarctica.
March 23, 2020/by Comms

Reflections on the Icy Vista

We were lucky to have a beautiful clear day to paddle in the Errera Channel where we had a visit from a Minke whale circling our kayaks!
March 20, 2020/by Comms

COVID-19 Update

Antarctic Heritage Trust is liaising with New Zealand authorities and expedition operator, Quark Expeditions, in an attempt to get our Inspiring Explorers home from South America.
March 20, 2020/by Comms

Silence and Still Waters

We were lucky to have a beautiful clear day to paddle in the Errera Channel where we had a visit from a Minke whale circling our kayaks!
March 18, 2020/by Comms

First Day in Antarctica

This morning we woke up to the Antarctic Peninsula, and perfectly still water.
March 13, 2020/by Comms

Eyes on the Horizon

Yesterday we flew from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia after two nights in BA , and a full day which we spent visiting the famous cemetery where Eva Peron lies, the art gallery, and La Boca. The vibrant colours and warmth of Buenos Aires gave us a newfound energy after twelve hours travelling.
March 13, 2020/by Comms

Introducing the 2020 Inspiring Explorers’ Expeditions™ Team

It is with much excitement that we can now announce the team that will be heading to the Antarctic Peninsula next month on our 2020 Inspiring Explorers' Expedition with Olympic kayaker Mike Dawson!
February 12, 2020/by Comms

The Frozen Wild

In March 2019, Marco de Kretser travelled to the Antarctic Peninsula as a member of Antarctic Heritage…
December 12, 2019/by Comms

Summit inspires youth to learn more about the Antarctic

September 20, 2019/by Comms

Mele & Lana on Fanimals

After arriving back home from the Inspiring Explorers' Expedition 2019, Mele and Lana were excited to…
July 15, 2019/by Comms

Waking up in Antarctica

Rosanna Price Interview
April 21, 2019/by Comms

A Raw, Real Place

Marco de Kretser Interview
April 14, 2019/by Comms

Rocking it in Antarctica

Caragh Doherty Interview
April 4, 2019/by Comms

Drake Lake

Relatively calm waters on the Drake Passage today – as on our way to Antarctica, we’ve been fortunate to experience mild weather that is closer to the Drake Lake than the wild Drake Shake.
March 14, 2019/by Comms

Taking the Plunge

We have just explored an Antarctic volcano on Deception Island. This morning we paddled around the coast of the island, including through a choppy passage between a cliff and a high rock. The waves arose from all angles, making for such an exhilarating ride we did it twice.
March 12, 2019/by Comms

Penguin Post

Today we stepped back in time by visiting Port Lockroy, a historic site maintained by Antarctic Heritage Trust's sister Trust, the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust. We explored the station here, Base A, which was established in 1944.
March 12, 2019/by Comms

A Night on Ice

Last night, on a flat, snowy hilltop we made our beds. By beds, I mean digging human-sized holes in the ice and then placing a ‘bivvy bag’ with a mat, sleeping bag and liner in the hole. The view was spectacular, mountains and icebergs resting in the ocean all around us.
March 11, 2019/by Comms

Whales Ahoy

Another amazing morning in Antarctica. Today we found the whales!
March 10, 2019/by Comms

Discovering the Wonders of Antarctica

Yep, that’s an iceberg. Today we really discovered the wonders of the Antarctic!
March 8, 2019/by Comms

Almost in Antarctica!

This morning Marco and I saw a whale for about two seconds – it was brown, with a curvy fin, and we’ve had a dozen guesses at what species it could be.
March 7, 2019/by Comms

Hitting the Drake Passage

Most of us awoke in our beds to the swaying motion that indicated we had entered the Drake Passage. Notorious for its choppy seas and high swells, we are lucky enough to have only gentle rocking to prepare our sea legs with.
March 6, 2019/by Comms

Cast Off

We have cast off on the Akademik Ioffe!
March 5, 2019/by Comms

The End of the World

We have touched down in Ushuaia, and everyone is in good spirits. I'm pleased to report that we made it without any serious injuries or lost baggage! In Buenos Aires we were treated to some seriously meaty cuisine and have had ample opportunity to practise our Spanish.
March 3, 2019/by Comms

Introducing the 2019 Inspiring Explorers’ Expedition™ Team

It is with much excitement that we can now announce the team that will be heading to the Antarctic Peninsula next month on our 2019 Inspiring Explorers' Expedition with Olympic kayaker Mike Dawson!
February 11, 2019/by Comms

In Nansen’s Footsteps

In Nansen’s Footsteps’ follows young Antipodeans as they ski 560 kilometres to cross the Greenland icecap towing 60 kilogram sleds
January 10, 2019/by Comms

Trip of a Lifetime for Two Auckland Students

As part of a new partnership with Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate, Antarctic Heritage Trust is taking two…
October 26, 2018/by Comms

Walking Across a Blank Canvas…

After some time for reflection following the completion the mammoth crossing of the Greenland ice cap,…
July 9, 2018/by Comms

Skiing Down a Sea of Clouds

After some time for reflection following the completion the mammoth crossing of the Greenland ice cap,…
July 9, 2018/by Comms

Outside My Comfort Zone

After some time for reflection following the completion the mammoth crossing of the Greenland ice cap,…
July 9, 2018/by Comms

Following in Nansen’s Footsteps…

After some time for reflection following the completion the mammoth crossing of the Greenland ice cap,…
July 9, 2018/by Comms

Thank You!

The Inspiring Explorers team has safely made it home and are now taking some time to reflect on the…
June 7, 2018/by Comms

They’ve Done It!

They’ve battled hurricane conditions, heavy snowfalls and illness, but the 6-person Antarctic Heritage…
June 2, 2018/by Comms

Hugs and Tears

From Nigel: Woke up after a short sleep. 60km or so to go to the end. Fine weather greeted us. We started…
June 1, 2018/by Comms

Between Cleanliness and Survival

After nearly a month on the ice, we can safely say the Inspiring Explorers are going to be looking…
May 31, 2018/by Comms

A Long Night’s Sleep Ahead

From Bengt: Another long day. From deep snow to good surface during the day. Total whiteout the last…
May 31, 2018/by Comms

The Mountains are Almost in Sight

From Bengt:

This morning we met up with the English team, and decided we ski down together to join forces…
May 30, 2018/by Comms

Running into Old Friends (Sort of)

From Bengt: Long and nice day. Sunny and no wind. Today we walked 11 hours and some. That gave us 34.7km!…
May 29, 2018/by Comms

Snowblindness

Snowblindness is just one of the things the team want to avoid in Greenland. Snowblindness is a temporary…
May 29, 2018/by Comms

Whiteout

From Bengt: As predicted, it was whiteout in the morning. Almost no wind and the sun was trying to get…
May 28, 2018/by Comms

Long Days Ahead

From Bengt: Lots of snow, powder that would have been great in a slope, not so good for us. We still…
May 27, 2018/by Comms

Slow and Steady

From Bengt: Not much sleep tonight, we had to get up and use the weather. We were on schedule till the…
May 27, 2018/by Comms

It’s All Downhill from Here…

From Bengt: Another 10 hours plus. This morning was quite windy, but it settled during the day. Since…
May 25, 2018/by Comms

The Summit (Almost)

From Bengt: Great day today, we started at 0600 and did 10 hours of effective walking that gave 31km.…
May 24, 2018/by Comms

A Day Off?

From Bengt: Not much to say about today, tent-bound...

Sleeping, reading books, eating and drinking…
May 24, 2018/by Comms

Inferno of Snow

From Bengt: This was a cold and windy day. We only did 6 hours. We were all packed in, goggles, facemasks…
May 22, 2018/by Comms

The Daily Routine

From Bengt: Sunny and nice weather, cold last night...In total we did 30km, very happy about that. As always we started the day with outmeal porridge. Børge's secret recipe. 180grams that we mix with hot water. During the day we eat chocolat
May 21, 2018/by Comms

Made it to Raven

From Bengt: A cold and windy morning, but sunshine! We woke up in the shadow of the dome after a cold…
May 20, 2018/by Comms

DYE 2

From Bengt: Nice day, with changing wind. We could see the DYE station when we started, some 20 kilometres…
May 20, 2018/by Comms

Tent Bound

From Nigel: Well the storm that was predicted arrived! It was a beauty too. Winds over 30 metres per…
May 19, 2018/by Comms

Unlucky 13?

From Bridget: Unlucky number 13... or lucky. A hurricane is on its way with winds blasting us with speeds…
May 17, 2018/by Comms

Tea with Lemon AND Milk

How do you take your tea? Probably not with milk AND lemon juice! This rather peculiar combination…
May 17, 2018/by Comms

Helicopters and Cold War Bases

From Nigel: Probably the coldest day so far with a keen wind meaning most opted for goggles and big over-gloves…
May 16, 2018/by Comms

Birthday Boy!

From Bengt: We started the day with a happy birthday song for Keith. Bridget made a fantastic birthday…
May 15, 2018/by Comms

No Dogs in Sight

From Bengt: At 0630 the wind settled down, and we quickly understood that we could move. We used…
May 14, 2018/by Comms

Hunkering Down

From Bengt: Approx. 0400 the wind came in and at 0600 when we normally start our morning it was quite…
May 13, 2018/by Comms

Who’s in the Rearview?

From Bengt: Another sunny day! We are truly lucky with the weather. Surface is gettin' better and…
May 12, 2018/by Comms

Bearing with Us

From Bridget: Today we started our journey from dog camp. A camp with no dogs or in fact any camp at…
May 10, 2018/by Comms

Nansen’s Expedition Reaches Land

"I have no doubt there was a pretty general consensus of opinion among us that we had had pleasanter…
May 10, 2018/by Comms

Dog Camp

From Bengt: It is a good feeling to have reached one of our goals. Today we came into Dog Camp. A place…
May 9, 2018/by Comms

Over the Bumps (for now)

From Bengt: Beautiful and cold day! We are done with the bumps, now its more or less flat, but still…
May 9, 2018/by Comms

Mysterious Vehicles

From Nigel: Another day ascending the icefall. Good weather. Powder snow on blue ice and heavy pulkas…
May 8, 2018/by Comms

First Update from the Ice!

From Hollie: I'm walking across Greenland. Pretty sure it’ll be mostly flat. Wrong. So wrong. Day 2…
May 6, 2018/by Comms

Greenland Bound!

The team made it to Copenhagen. They are now on their way to Kangerlussuaq where they will meet Bridget…
May 3, 2018/by Comms

Point of No Reason…

Before Nansen and his men could even get up on to the ice cap to begin the first crossing of Greenland,…
May 3, 2018/by Comms

There They Go…

We saw Nigel and Hollie off at Christchurch Airport this morning. They're now on their way to Greenland…
May 2, 2018/by Comms

Inspiring Explorers in the News

Newshub came to pay Brando and Hollie a visit while they were getting in some last minute training in…
May 2, 2018/by Comms

Getting into Gear

Inspiring Explorer Keith Parsons, who will be the expedition's dedicated videographer, thought it was…
April 29, 2018/by Comms

Trading Tyres for Sledges

Antarctic Heritage TrustThe team have been training hard ahead of their departure for Greenland, but…
April 29, 2018/by Comms

Sledges – Then and Now

While the world is a very different place now to what it was 130 years ago when Nansen first crossed…
April 16, 2018/by Comms

Welcome to 2018 Expedition to Greenland

The 2018 Inspiring Explorers' Expedition to Greenland will kick off on May 4. The attempt to cross the…
April 16, 2018/by Comms

Interview with Simon Lucas

The whole trip we were buzzing about how incredible it was to be outside, away from modern day life,…
March 21, 2017/by Comms

Interview with Isobel Ewing

Antarctica has so much mystery and is the pinnacle of exploration.


Isobel Ewing - Journalist at…
March 20, 2017/by Comms

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