The first flight of spring will leave Christchurch for Antarctica on Thursday, marking the end of the four months of isolation for those working on the ice.
The flight will have scientific equipment, general supplies, fresh fruit and vegetables and mail on board for both the New Zealand and United States Antarctic stations. Some staff who will be working in Antarctica over summer will also be on the flight.
Thursday's flight marks the first glimpse of the sun in Antarctica and the end of the annual winter-over.
Regular summer season flights do not start until the end of September.
