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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

2024 01 20 SB Container Area overhead
13 August 2024

Scott Base Redevelopment Regains Momentum

The project to redevelop Scott Base is regaining momentum, reaffirming New Zealand’s commitment to our place in Antarctica and scientific research programme. The Board of Directors has re-established the Scott Base Redevelopment … Read More

Prime Port Timaru
28 August 2024

Scott Base Redevelopment confirms exit from port of Timaru land

Antarctica New Zealand today confirmed that it would not be using the land leased from PrimePort Timaru as part of the Scott Base redevelopment project. Antarctica New Zealand acting chief executive Jordy Hendrikx said that fin… Read More

Scott Base Oct 2023 HDR
4 July 2024

New plan for Scott Base Redevelopment

Antarctica New Zealand has a plan that resets the Scott Base Redevelopment project after undertaking an options analysis in late 2023 and an independent review in April this year. The plan is to build a new accommodation and livi… Read More

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