Walking to the South Pole in 2025

Walking 5,200km virtually from Christchurch ("Gateway to Antarctica") to the South Pole in Antarctica by the end of 2025!


Where am I
Progress Updates

What's Happening



Andrew Marr

Chief Executive Walker (CEW), Wellington, New Zealand

I am raising awareness of the unique environment and ecosystems of Antarctica and the sub-islands, and the benefits of healthy exercise and balanced nutrition, especially for the "non-elite" athlete.

The Ultimate Virtual Challenge – Walk from New Zealand to the South Pole.

A journey like no other? Imagine trekking 5,200 kilometers from New Zealand to the South Pole—virtually. This unique challenge will cover the vast distance through walking, and some running, translating daily distances into progress on the route to the South Pole.

Many people have walked (or driven) across the vast expanse of the antartic continent but not "to the continent". To date there is no documented account of this virtual expedition ever being attempted, making this an amazing opportunity to raise awareness of the unique environment and ecosystem of Antarctica, and the benefits of healthy nutrician and exercise, especially for the "non-elite" athlete.

Beyond the thrill of breaking new ground, the fitness benefits are immense. Walking is one of the most effective forms of exercise, improving cardiovascular health, boosting mood, and enhancing overall fitness. Covering 5,200 kilometers in a one year timeframe will require sustained effort over time, helping build strength, stamina, and resilience.

Key dates and times

The following highlights the forecast dates and distance milestones of the walk through 2025. The actual arrival dates may differ (early or late) from those provided below.


Milestone

Distance

Forecast Arrival Date


Starting Point

Antartica New Zealand, Christchurch

0km - Latitude 43°29'20"S

1 Jan 2025 - Day 1


Progress Tracking Milestones

The Octagon, Dunedin

265km - Latitude 45°52'26"S19 Jan 2025 - Day 19

Slope Point, Southland

355km - Latitude 46°40'40"S

25 Jan 2025 - Day 25

Auckland Islands

800km - Latitude 50°41'30"S

26 Feb 2025 - Day 57

Campbell Islands

1,007km - Latitude 52°32'44"S

12 Mar 2025 - Day 71

Dumont d'Urville Station

2,577km - Latitude 66°39'48"S

30 Jun 2025 - Day 181

Zucchelli Station

3,470km - Latitude 74°41'40"S

1 Sep 2025 - Day 244

Scott Base, Antarctica

3,821km - Latitude 77°50'58"S

26 Sept 2025 - Day 269


Finish Point

South Pole, Antarctica


5,200km - Latitude 90°00'00"S


31 Dec 2025 - Day 365



* The route travels due South from Christchurch to the South Pole. A number of milestones have been provided for easy progress tracking that the route will pass by - but not through! The distance shown is based only on their change in latitude compared with that of the start point of the challenge.

Weather

Below is the live weather in Christchruch, New Zealand and Scott Base, Antarctica.

The Start Point.

CHRISTCHURCH WEATHER

Antarctica.

SCOTT BASE WEATHER

Stay Informed

We provide fortnightly summary updates on route progress.

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