Scott Base
Scott Base, New Zealand's only Antarctic research station, perches on a low volcanic headland called Pram Point at the southern end of Ross Island. It is 3800km south of Christchurch and 1350km from the South Pole. Mt Erebus, an active volcano, sits north-east and to the west, across McMurdo Sound, is the Royal Society Range. Here, lies the boundary between the Ross Ice Shelf and the sea ice that forms every winter. From October to February, Scott Base is a bustling hub of scientists, staff and visitors. Up to 86 people can be accommodated at any one time; during the summer season, more than 300 people stay on base.
Tour of Scott Base
Location of Scott Base
- Pram Point, Hut Point Peninsula, Ross
- Island in McMurdo Sound
- 77° 51' S, v 166° 46' E
- 10 m above sea level
Scott Base News
Tonga volcano “afterglow” causes dazzling skies in Antarctica
Antarctica is experiencing stunning skyscapes like those recently seen in New Zealand, thanks to the afterglow effect from the Tongan volcano. Scientists working in Antarctica have captured breath-taking photos of the skies above… Read More
Keeping Antarctica kākāriki: A green Scott Base wins New Zealanders' hearts
The final tally is in. New Zealand has spoken and voted to keep Scott Base kākāriki/green! The iconic colour, which has graced the Ross Island research station since 1965, finished with 4514 votes from the 10,830 Kiwis and honora… Read More
The race for the base
The final countdown is on, with only one full day left to vote for the colour of the new Scott Base. Every vote is going to count because, in what could be historic upset, karaka/orange is closing in kākāriki/green, the colour wh… Read More