Scott Base is our home on the ice and the strategic hub for scientists from New Zealand and across the globe to carry out some of the most important research in the world.

What's new?

Ace our Base - Can you design our base?

Could you rebuild New Zealand's only home in Antarctica? Ace the Base has launched at the International Antarctic Centre and gives children the chance to have a go at designing their own Scott Base using DUPLO.

Find out more here

Scott Base in 3D

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.

Explore Scott Base in 3D here

Fly through of the proposed design

New Zealand’s commitment and strategic interests in Antarctica began with the development of Scott Base in 1957 as a supporting base for the Trans Antarctic Expedition.

The base has been continuously occupied since its establishment, and since then, the base has had numerous upgrades and redevelopments, ensuring its ability to support New Zealand’s key Antarctic objectives.

The last major infrastructure investment occurred in the 1980s and mid-1990s.

As part of Budget 2019 the Government has committed $18.5 million for the next phase of the Scott Base Redevelopment project.

The project would see the existing base, built in the early 80s and made up of 12 separate buildings, replaced by three large interconnected buildings.

The new base could accommodate up to 100 people at a time.

Of the three buildings one is designed for accommodation, dining and welfare, the second for science and management and the third for engineering and storage.