Kiwi filmmaker's spectacular Antarctic images

(Anthony Powell)
(Anthony Powell)

Breathtaking pictures from Antarctica have been released, celebrating 20 years on the ice for Antarctica New Zealand.

Kiwi filmmaker Anthony Powell has been documenting the Kiwi connection since 1998, capturing some stunning images.

The cold, harsh beauty of Antarctica is captured by Powell in spectacular scenes from the bottom of the world that few are fortunate to see and explore.

Self-taught Powell has been filming in Antarctica over the past two decades and is spending this winter on the ice at Scott Base.

Kiwi filmmaker's spectacular Antarctic images

(Anthony Powell)

"It's a pretty special place down here, having come to know it so well over the past years. Just wanting to convey how special it is is what really drives me," he says.

The film clip release coincides with Antarctica NZ's 20th anniversary. Set up by the Government in 1996, it's responsible for running Scott Base and providing logistic support to a large science programme.

"In the last 20 years our science is becoming a whole lot more complex, a whole lot more ambitious," says Peter Beggs, Antarctica NZ chief executive.

"But we're starting to understand a whole lot more of all those secrets that are locked down there in those ice sheets."

Kiwi filmmaker's spectacular Antarctic images

(Anthony Powell)

They're secrets dating back well before British explorers of Scott and Shackelton.

Our most famous Kiwi, Sir Edmund Hilary, helped pave the way, building the first hut at Scott Base in 1958. Plans are now underway to conserve the original hut.

"It's at the end of its use for life and we think that New Zealand does need that credible presence in Antarctica, and to build a new contemporary base is an important part of our future," Mr Beggs says.

It's a Kiwi presence stunningly captured by Powell for the rest of world to see.

Newshub.