Scott Base New Zealand Antarctic Station
Scott Base sits just 3km from McMurdo Station on Pram Point, Ross Island, and is operated by Antarctica New Zealand. It’s been continuously occupied since 1957 — the same year Sir Edmund Hillary’s overland tractor traverse departed from here en route to the South Pole. The base is small and tight, with a summer population around 85 and a winter skeleton crew of roughly 10. It’s the primary logistics hub for all New Zealand-funded Antarctic science and supports some joint operations with the US Antarctic Program at McMurdo.
The famous green buildings are hard to miss. Vehicle access between Scott Base and McMurdo uses a shared sea-ice or transition road depending on season. Permitted expeditions working the Ross Sea region will coordinate resupply and emergency support through Antarctica New Zealand well ahead of deployment. No independent tourist walk-ins.
Kiwi base, Hillary's launchpad, still running.
Place Details
| Type | Town / Resupply |
|---|---|
| Street address | 10, McMurdo Station Get directions → |
| Elevation (ft) | 26 ft |
| Nearest town | Christchurch, New Zealand (nearest city) |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD |
| Access road surface | Snow/Ice |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Best season | October-February |
| Land manager | Other |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Amenities | Cell signal, Drinking water, Showers, Trash service |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |