Located 3,500km from the nearest city on a volcanic island near Antarctica, lies New Zealand’s only polar research station: Scott Base. In The Antarcticans, Matty Jordan offers a rare, vivid look at life in the world’s most inhospitable environment. Through stunning photography and captivating storytelling, the book explores a landscape of curious penguins, all-day auroras, and “frozen-in-time” vistas.
Beyond the scenery, Matty provides a behind-the-scenes perspective on the challenges of working in the coldest, windiest place on Earth. As tourism to the “White Continent” grows, the book also serves as a practical guide for responsible travel, detailing what to expect from expedition cruises, vast penguin colonies, and historic sites.
Ultimately, The Antarcticans is a story of human connection. Set within a remote research facility, it highlights how a sense of community can flourish even in total isolation. It offers readers a temporary escape from our fast-paced “real world” into a magical, otherworldly environment where friendship and adventure are essential for survival.
Author
Matty K. Jordan
Matty K. Jordan has spent 450 days in Antarctica over nine separate expeditions, dodging frostbite and photographing playful penguins for the entertainment of his 2.3-million strong community on social media—making him the world’s most followed Antarctican. For nearly eight years, Matty was a project manager for New Zealand’s Antarctic Programme, delivering construction projects in support of world-leading climate science. He is the Chair for the Canterbury Branch of the NZ Antarctic Society, a Board Director for the US Antarctican Society, and an ambassador for the UK based charity 2041 School. He lives in Christchurch, New Zealand with his girlfriend, Sam and his labradoodle, Koda.
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