Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is making a second attempt at getting to Antarctica after her flight on Tuesday was turned around due to bad weather.
The plane - a US C17, not the NZAF Hercules she was on on Tuesday - took off from Christchurch on Wednesday morning at 11:38am, transporting Ardern to Scott Base where she will mark its 65th anniversary. The trip is expected to take five hours.
"Originally planned for two days, her schedule has now changed," Antarctica New Zealand said. "However, the Prime Minister will still visit field teams researching sea ice in a changing environment, the Dry Valleys and the historic huts."
"She will see first hand where the new Scott Base will be situated, as well as the windfarm that contributes sustainable electricity for both Scott Base and the US McMurdo Station. This is all dependent on Antarctic weather of course!"
Ardern's flight on Tuesday was unsuccessful at getting to the icy continent due to strong winds and inclement weather at McMurdo Sound.
"Safety is our number one focus when flying to the coldest, windiest, remotest place on Earth so this is not uncommon (we call it a boomerang flight!)," Antarctica New Zealand said at the time.
Photos released of Ardern onboard the Tuesday flight show her reading a biography on famed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, who led three expeditions to the Antarctic. Her partner, Clarke Gayford, was snapped reading a book on illegal fishing.
The Prime Minister will see research, environmental protection, conservation and operations undertaken by Kiwis in Antarctica.
"Antarctica is part of New Zealand's heritage and future and we’re committed to its protection as a natural reserve for peace, science and co-operation," Ardern said last week ahead of the trip.
"Globally significant research is also carried out by New Zealanders there and we’re committed to that essential research through the Antarctic Science Platform and other research investments. Antarctic research is urgently needed to understand past and future climates, how we are affecting Antarctica, and how Antarctica will affect us."
Ardern will also see preliminary work on the Government-funded redevelopment of Scott Base due to be completed in 2028.
New Zealand is one of the only countries in the world which maintains a territorial claim, base and heritage responsibility in Antarctica.
