Antarctic trek relived

Have you ever dreamed of following in the footsteps of Antarctic explorers Amundsen, Scott and Shackleton? Applications are now open to be part of a once-ina-lifetime trek to the South Pole, skiing more than 900 kilometres across the frozen continent. The expedition has been organised by New Zealand’s Antarctic Heritage Trust to celebrate 150 years since the birth of Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and will set off later this year or early next year. The team will be made up of Kiwis and Norwegians – ideally aged 35 or under. Applications close on June 13. Three ‘‘inspiring explorers will be chosen’’. The team will undergo rigorous training, which will be essential for pulling an 80kg sled for 40 days straight in temperatures ranging from -25C to -40C. Nigel Watson, Antarctic Heritage Trust executive director and expedition leader, said the gruelling journey would test the team to its limits.