'Spirit of Antarctica' Programme Launches

Originally shared 16 December 2025 by Antarctic Heritage Trust - "Spirit of Antarctica Sets Sail"

A new partnership between Antarctic Heritage Trust and Spirit of Adventure Trust has given South Auckland students a unique journey of discovery, combining virtual Antarctic exploration with hands-on learning aboard a three-masted tall ship.

Through the new Spirit of Antarctica programme, 150 students from 10 South Auckland schools in the AIMHI network had the opportunity to explore Antarctica at Hillary House Leadership Centre (pictured right), Sir Edmund Hillary’s old homestead on the grounds of Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate. Students used cutting-edge VR technology, learned about Antarctica’s history of exploration, and developed leadership and teamwork skills with our Inspiring Explorers Education™ team.

The Trust has a long-term partnership with the AIMHI network (Achievement in Multi-Cultural High Schools), working together to deliver New Zealand-based education and exploration programmes for a range of age groups.

From among the students who took part, 15 students were then selected for a ten-day sailing voyage with Spirit of Adventure Trust.

Divided into four watch groups of ten, students became working crew members, learning to set sails, take the helm to steer the ship, climb the mast, and navigate as they the voyaged from Auckland around Waiheke Island, the Coromandel Peninsula, and Aotea (Great Barrier Island).

The students developed their ‘Explorer Mindset’ and these qualities were put to the test during the final two days when trainers stepped back allowing the students to lead, work as a team, and step outside their comfort zones, putting everything they’d learned into practice.

For Rosehill College student Seth, the experience has been transformative. “It’s been really good to step outside of my comfort zone and spend time in nature. I’ve learned a lot about myself, and I hope these experiences will help me step up as head boy next year,” he says.

Thanks to our Inspiring Explorers™ Fund donors and a new partnership with Spirit of Adventure Trust, the programme is free for students.

We are delighted that the students were able to enjoy using the Hillary House Leadership Centre for this exciting new programme. The programme will be repeated in 2026 with support from donors to the Antarctic Heritage Trust and the Spirit of Adventure Trust. Contact Antarctic Heritage Trust for more information at info@nzaht.org.