Wellingtonians can explore a section of Antarctica, using cutting edge virtual reality technology at Te Papa this week.
Developed by the Antarctic Heritage Trust and Auckland-based tech company StaplesVR, the first virtual reality experience of Captain Robert Falcon Scott's Discovery Hut made its debut in Wellington on Monday.
Scott led the National Antarctic Expedition of 1901-04.
The Discovery Hut, which was built in 1902, was the first expedition base on the island and has been preserved, so visitors today can see how the early explorers left it.
Robert Falcon Scott's Discovery Hut, in McMurdo Sound. Photo: Neville Peat
Recreating it as a VR experience took more than 1100 hours and a team of 15 people, and it has toured around the world since it was launched last August.
Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith tested out the VR experience at Te Papa on Thursday.
Among some of his favourite scenes from the experience was the recreation of a meal of seal meat being cooked inside the hut and seeing huskies out in the snow.
"I gave the huskies a little pat."
Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith tests out the VR experience at Te Papa. Photo: RNZ / Mark Papalii
Goldsmith also enjoyed seeing penguins and going up in a hot air balloon that looked over the McMurdo Sound.
He said the experience gave people a unique opportunity to experience Antarctica's history.
"Very few New Zealanders get a chance to actually get down to those huts, which are an important part of our history and, well, humanity's history. To be able to look around and explore is extraordinary."
Several parents and kids also tested out the VR before the end of the school holidays.
Luis said it was a great exhibition for kids and gave them an awareness of what was happening down in Antarctica.
"I think it's a good opportunity for kids to get involved and [be] aware about the environment."
Inside the hut. Photo: Supplied
Emilio said he particularly liked feeding the huskies dog biscuits.
Meanwhile, Laila had several favourite moments from the experience.
"I liked the balloon ride, because you got this whole view of everything that you had already seen," she said.
"Then I really liked the huskies, because they were adorable, but you could also pet them with your gloves."
"Then I liked the penguins, because you couldn't smell their terrible stink."
Antarctic Heritage Trust executive director Francesca Eathorne said it was excited to bring Scott's Discovery Hut to people virtually.
"It gives great insight into the everyday items the explorers had with them, and how they used the hut to support the important science and exploration they undertook.
"What is amazing is that StaplesVR have built the icy Antarctic environment surrounding the hut, so you can see the hut in context and even do activities as an explorer yourself, like take a ride in a hydrogen balloon - just like Scott did."
Photo: RNZ / Mark Papalii
Since its launch, thousands of people, both in New Zealand and around the world, have taken the opportunity to explore the hut, with the Trust's Education team recently returning from touring major museums, schools and Antarctic organisations in the UK.
Te Papa chief executive Courtney Johnston said Te Papa was delighted to partner with Antarctic Heritage Trust to bring the experience to Wellington.
"This is an incredible experience that highlights our heritage and environment."
The VR experience will be at Te Papa until Sunday, 13 July.
Entry is free, but online bookings are required, with an 11+ age requirement.
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