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
Update: Scott Base Redevelopment
The Antarctica New Zealand Board has requested additional detail on the Scott Base Redevelopment before making a decision on the way forward for the project. Last year, Antarctica New Zealand was not able to reach an agreement on… Read More
Scott Base stamp collection: Home on Ross Island
Scott Base was designed to have a short life, but it didn't take long for the little research station to defy the odds and reshape its destiny. It was originally designed to support the British Trans-Antarctic (TAE) and Internati… Read More
Third time lucky for Scott Base crew
The penguin has landed! It was once, twice, three-times lucky for the crew heading to New Zealand’s Antarctic research station, Scott Base. The team of 43 landed safe and sound on the ice late yesterday afternoon, on their third … Read More