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About the Inspiring Explorers Fund™

Grow the Next Generation of Explorers

Over the years, supporters like you have helped us care for the Antarctic bases left by the legendary global figures of Sir Ernest Shackleton, Sir Edmund Hillary and Captain Robert Falcon Scott.

The early explorers’ stories and journeys are iconic. Whether they ended in success or failure, fame or obscurity they were incredible. What binds those early explorers is a shared and common trait – a desire to head into the unknown; an explorer’s mindset.

Exploration embodies curiosity, allows us to embrace uncertainty and develop resilience. These qualities are more critical in today’s world than ever before and will be crucial in shaping our shared future.

2025 Ross Sea Inspiring Explorer Kitiona at Nimrod Hut.

Inspiring Explorer Kitiona. © AHT/Anna Clare

“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 172025 Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ Ross Sea

You can grow explorers…

By making a gift to the Inspiring Explorers™ Fund, you can support young explorers like Kitiona, who stepped foot on snow for the very first time during the 2025 Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ Ross Sea.

Your gift can help young explorers push outside their comfort zone, giving them experiences that they never imagined through the Inspiring Explorers™ programme.

Make a Donation

No other programme in the world draws on the rich heritage of polar explorers as a source of inspiration. The Inspiring Explorers™ programme draws heavily on the explorer qualities of curiosity, resilience, leadership, innovation, and team work, encouraging young people to engage with the spirit of exploration and grow an explorer mindset. It includes our Inspiring Explorers Expeditions™, Young Inspiring Explorers™ and the Inspiring Explorers™ Education initiatives.

As a donor, you’ll receive stories of impact about programme participants. You’ll also be invited to special events, giving you the opportunity to hear stories from explorers of yesterday and today.

Give to the Inspiring Explorers™ Fund Today

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Inspiring the next generation of explorers…

Destiny

Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ South Georgia 2023

Destiny didn’t believe an experience like this could ever be possible for her.

Laura

Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ South Pole 2022

Laura has given talks to thousands of students across New Zealand about overcoming her fears as she skiied to the South Pole.

Anzac

Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ Antarctic Peninsula 2020

Anzac used his experience to share Antarctica with thousands of students across the globe.

Abby

Young Inspiring Explorers™ Worsley Weekend 2020

The Young Inspiring Explorers™ Worsley Weekend inspired Abby to want to become a heritage conservator in Antarctica.

2023 South Georgia Inspiring Explorer Tegan Allpress showcasing her art at the New Zealand Maritime Museum. © AHT/Anna Clare

Inspiring Explorer Tegan Allpress. © AHT/Anna Clare

Creating impact in their communities

Inspiring Explorers deliver a dedicated outreach programme sharing their stories and encouraging others to explore. Since the inaugural expedition in 2015 Inspiring Explorers have delivered hundreds of presentations, created art, music, short films, virtual and augmented reality, Antarctic-inspired education programmes and exhibitions. Their stories have a powerful ripple effect through their communities and with our global audience, reaching millions of people worldwide.

Read recent Inspiring Explorers™ news:

Marian College students Briar Rotherham (left) and Kate O’Halloran (right) hold messages they have written which will adorn the yacht explorer Lisa Blair (centre) will sail during her next world record attempt. © AHT

Explorers Inspire Christchurch Students

Alumni, Encourage, Media Releases, News Story, Share

Antarctic Heritage Trust’s first Christchurch Explorer Conference brought together 85 Year 12 students at Te Pae to hear from inspiring speakers and embrace the challenge: step outside your comfort zone.