The Antarctic Heritage Trust of New Zealand is seeking eight people aged 18 to 30 for a month-long voyage to the Ross Sea region from 5 January to 3 February 2027. The initiative marks the trust’s 40th anniversary and aims to develop new advocates for the preservation of historic polar sites.
Selected participants, known as Inspiring Explorers, will visit the historic huts and bases linked to Captain Robert Falcon Scott and Sir Ernest Shackleton during the ship-based expedition. The programme combines conservation work at the sites with development of what the trust calls an ‘Explorer Mindset’, encompassing curiosity, resilience, leadership, innovation and teamwork.
Executive Director Francesca Eathorne said participants will carry out practical tasks at the historic huts and later share their experiences with global audiences through outreach programmes. The trust’s Ross Sea Heritage Restoration Project has run for four decades and is the world’s longest-running cold-climate conservation project, involving significant international collaboration.
Heritage Expeditions, a family-owned company with more than 35 years’ experience operating small expedition cruises to subantarctic islands and the Ross Sea, will provide the vessel and logistical support. The company has a long-standing partnership with the trust.
Applications are open at inspiringexplorers.co.nz and close on 5 October 2026. New Zealand citizens or permanent residents, as well as UK, US and Irish citizens residing in New Zealand, are eligible to apply.
Source: Antarctic Heritage Trust NZ
