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Story: Skiing

Antarctic explorers on skis

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Antarctic explorers on skis

The British Antarctic Expedition of 1910–13, led by Captain Robert Falcon Scott, was a source of fascination to New Zealanders, especially as Scott and his men had stopped in Canterbury on their way south. Their use of skis may have helped popularise the sport in New Zealand. This photo of men on skis, hauling a sled laden with supplies, was taken by Scott himself in December 1911.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, Joseph James Kinsey Collection (PAColl-5011)

Reference: PA1-f-066-08-1

by Robert Falcon Scott

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Andrew Troup, Skiing – Skiing in New Zealand, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/11838/antarctic-explorers-on-skis (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Andrew Troup, published 2 March 2009.