6 Feb 2012

Grandson in awe of Scott's achievements

1:30 pm on 6 February 2012

The grandson of British Antarctic explorer Robert Falcon Scott says he has renewed admiration for his grandfather's achievements after spending a month on the frozen continent.

Falcon Scott has returned to New Zealand after working with a team from the Antarctic Heritage Trust to try to conserve his grandfather's Terra Nova hut and the many artefacts inside.

Mr Scott says he has new-found respect for the man, who was second to the South Pole in 1912, only to die on the return journey from starvation and the cold.

He says the hut at Cape Evans represents the height of his grandfather's exploratory and scientific achievements and it was emotional stepping inside for the first time.

"Just thinking that this was the last place that he had any kind of sanctuary before he set out to the South Pole and of course didn't return. It was a sad moment, but also a very amazing, emotional moment for me."