Antarctica New Zealand operates a logistics transport pool in partnership with the American and Italian Antarctic programmes. All personnel are flown to Antarctica and will land at one of three airfields depending on the time of year. The following procedures will be followed when travelling to Antarctica.

Departure for Antarctica

REPORTING IN
On arrival in Christchurch prior to departure, all personnel must contact the logistics section of Antarctica New Zealand. They will brief you on your flight to Scott Base and will issue your departure forms. You will meet the logisitics section during your clothing kitout and they will be able to answer any questions you may have.

Passengers to Antarctica leave from the International Antarctic Centre Passenger Terminal at the International Antarctic Centre (Antarctica New Zealand's offices). They do not leave from the Christchurch Airport Terminal.

All flights travel between Christchurch, New Zealand and McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. Several types of aircraft are used and flight times vary accordingly.

An in-flight meal is provided, which includes a water bottle. It is advisable to retain this bottle for use in Antarctica. Smoking is not permitted on any flights.

Seating on the C17 and Airbus aircraft is like commercial airliners. On the Hercules webbing seating extends the length of the aircraft. Cargo is placed in the aircraft in the same compartment as the passengers.

Clothing

When travelling to Antarctica by air all personnel MUST be suitably dressed in Antarctic clothing prior to departure from the Christchurch Antarctic Passenger Terminal. This is part of the official requirement for all passengers travelling to Antarctica and non-conformity will result in being off-loaded. The Logistics section will explain the clothing requirements during clothing kitout. All clothing required to wear on the aircraft is provided by Antarctica New Zealand.  Photos of the clothing supplied by Antarctica New Zealand can be found here.

On the flight south you are allowed a baggage allowance of 75 lbs (34 kg). Antarctic clothing that will be issued to you weighs approximately 20 lbs, the balance is for your personal clothing and accessories. It is important to remember that not all of your personal effects have to go with you on departure. There are about 3 flights per week right through the season (October-February), so personal effects can be left in Christchurch and placed in the cargo system for transport south at a date of your choosing if you are going to be on the Ice for an extended period of time. See the Before Travel section for dates and requirements for cargo.

As part of the clothing kitout you will be given two carry bags. If you are going to Antarctica for a short period of time (up to two weeks) these bags should be big enough to contain all your clothing and personal items (toilet bag etc). You may also want to take a small day pack.

Customs and inflight regulations

CUSTOMS

All personnel leaving for Antarctica are processed through the Antarctic Passenger Terminal at the International Antarctic Centre, and are subject to Security and Customs inspections.

On return to New Zealand all persons will be treated as "Returning Overseas Visitors" and undergo inspections by New Zealand customs officers. Certificates of Export for cameras, video equipment etc if required should be obtained from Customs prior to departure from New Zealand.

Leaflets on Duty Free allowances are available from the Scott Base shop and you are advised to read them carefully. Antarctica New Zealand will inform the Customs Department of suspected smuggled articles and will not condone the carriage of any personal items in official cargo or made up as "official" cargo. All such items shall be handed to the Customs Department.

VISAS AND PASSPORTS
Non New Zealand nationals must take their passport to Antarctica for use on return to New Zealand. Temporary visitors to New Zealand must ensure that their visas cover the period of stay in Antarctica. All extensions must be made before departure to Antarctica.

Although New Zealand nationals are not legally required to carry a passport we recommend that if you have one, take it, as this will save delays on return to New Zealand.

DANGEROUS GOODS
Carriage of the following articles in passenger baggage or in the aircraft cabin is prohibited:

1. Explosives, munitions, fireworks and flares
2. Compressed gases (flammable, non-flammable, and poisonous)
3. Flammable liquids (such as lighter or heating fluids)
4. Flammable solids
5. Oxidising materials (such as bleaching powder and peroxides)
6. Poisons
7. Radioactive material
8. Corrosive material (such as acids, alkalis, wet cell batteries and mercury)
9. Knives and objects that may be used as weapons
10. Other dangerous goods (such as magnetised materials) as listed in the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations

Passengers should ensure that baggage does not contain any prohibited articles and should ask if in doubt. Any dangerous or hazardous goods that you need to take to Antarctica should be handled through the Antarctica New Zealand Cargo System and should be provided in advance of the intended travel date.

DRUGS
The carriage of drugs by a person on any aircraft or ship to and from Antarctica is strictly forbidden. Where a person has a requirement to have in their possession a prescribed drug for medical purposes, this must be declared to the Logistics Section at Antarctica New Zealand on reporting, naming the drug, its purpose and quantity.