77 Degrees South
A group of young explorers set out for Antarctica carrying a fragile piece of history, but reaching its final destination would be anything but certain.
77 Degrees South is a six-part podcast series from Antarctic Heritage Trust following eight rangatahi (young people) on the Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ to the Ross Sea, Antarctica. Travelling aboard Heritage Expeditions’ 'Heritage Adventurer', the team embarks on a remarkable journey to some of Antarctica’s most significant historic sites, while attempting to return a carefully restored copy of The Count of Monte-Cristo to its original home inside Scott’s Discovery hut. Along the way, listeners are taken inside the huts of Scott and Shackleton, where everyday objects remain almost exactly as they were left more than a century ago. Through these extraordinary places, the team discovers the human stories of Antarctic exploration, develops a deeper connection to the continent's heritage, and reflects on their own role in protecting its future. The series also offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the Antarctic Heritage Trust’s world-leading conservation work, protecting these fragile sites in one of the harshest environments on Earth.
Episodes
6 episodes
Episode 6: Spirit of Place
As they turn North and head for home, they reflect on the spirit of place within the sites they have visited, how this experience has changed them, and what’s next on their journey as heritage kaitiaki (guardians). To help figure this out, they...
Episode 5: Discovery
When thick sea ice prevents the team from reaching Scott’s Discovery hut at 77 degrees South, it looks as though they will be unable to achieve their mission to return a historic book to its home on the Ice. They visit a vast penguin c...
Episode 4: Manaakitanga
In Shackleton’s hut at Cape Royds windows illuminate the interior with a soft glow, and the stove sits in the centre of the room, as if ready to boil the kettle. As the team explore, they experience a sense of goodwill and protection. Shackleto...
Episode 3: Legacy
The team step into Terra Nova hut at Cape Evans and it looks and feels like Scott and his men have just stepped out, despite 112 years passing. Thanks to the work of the Antarctic Heritage Trust, Scott’s legacy has been saved and work ...
Episode 2: Arrival
The team make their landfall at Cape Adare, echoing the heroic era explorers who landed here and built the first ever dwelling in Antarctica. Here they make a confronting visit to the world’s largest Adélie penguin colony, and amongst it, the h...
Episode 1: The Mission
Join the team as they meet each other for the first time and learn about the important task entrusted to them, conserving and returning a historic artefact to Antarctica. Come inside the conservation laboratory as they prepare a historic copy o...
