One false start and they're off

The first cohort of Scott Base has flown out of Christchurch for Antarctica - marking the start of the New Zealand summer season.

They nearly made it on Monday - but were turned back due to poor weather.

Antarctica New Zealand Chief Executive Sarah Williamson says staff have gone to great lengths to remain Covid-19 free.

They've added a two-week isolation period and taken multiple Covid-19 tests prior to deployment.

The summer Scott Base staff will stay in Antarctica for the next five months.