One hundred and seventy-six years ago, British explorer James Clark Ross led an expedition into the unknown at the bottom of the world. This morning, new protections for 1.5 million square kilometres of the Southern Ocean came into effect—it's now one of the world's largest marine sanctuaries. This is why the Ross Sea is so important.

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The Ross Sea becomes a marine protected area

One hundred and seventy-six years ago, British explorer James Clark Ross led an expedition into the unknown at the bottom of the world.

This morning, new protections for 1.5 million square kilometres of the Southern Ocean came into effect—it's now one of the world's largest marine sanctuaries. This is why the Ross Sea is so important.

#SundayDoco: Icebound

On January 24, 1895, a landing was made deep within the Antarctic Circle that heralded a century of Antarctic discovery.

The penguin that wasn't

The Hunter Island penguin's ‘extinction’ was estimated to have occurred about 11,700 years ago. But the bones were in fact from other penguins, including two from New Zealand.

Fire and ice

Beneath Antarctica are thermal cave systems created by volcanic steam, where fungi and bacteria flourish. Now, researchers have discovered the remains of other life.

An ideal Christmas gift, with a free calendar!

Order a New Zealand Geographic subscription as a Christmas gift before December 15, and have a magazine sent to your place in advance to wrap up and give on Christmas Day. Bonus: the Christmas issue comes with a free 2018 calendar.

You can subscribe from just $1/week for digital, $1.50/week for print, or $2/week for both, billed bimonthly or annually. See the options here.

Chasing poachers in the Ross Sea

When the Royal New Zealand Navy ventured into the Ross Sea, it found three pirate ships illegally fishing Antarctic toothfish. What followed was a four-month chase across three oceans in an attempt to drive poachers out of our seas—a pursuit that ended with one ship at the bottom of the ocean.

Now, you be the judge...

There are 65 finalists in Photographer of the Year to choose from—now it's your turn to be the judge. View all the finalists online, and while you're there, vote for your favourites to win the Panasonic People's Choice award. Vote now!

Photo: Paul Daly


	Meanwhile, across the ditch...

Australia_WA_BellGorge_Couple_Swimming_KWA2015_067_APT

What to do in a place called Kimberley?

You know you’re in for an adventure when the map says Zebedee, Wandjina and Bungle Bungle.

Sights not to miss in north Queensland

For travellers who have wearied of Surfer’s Paradise, a treat awaits on the northern-most tip of the Australian continent.


	#NZGeoRadio

HOIHO POPULATION FALLS TO RECORD LOW
The mainland population of yellow-eyed penguins is at its lowest in 27 years, according to the Department of Conservation's recent nest-survey work.

IWI TO PUT RAHUI ON THE WAITAKERE RANGES

West Auckland iwi Te Kawerau a Maki wants the council to enforce a public ban on entering the Waitakere Ranges, saying it’s the only way to stop the spread of kauri dieback.

KAIKOURA COAST FISHING BAN EXTENDED
Fishing was banned along 130 kilometres of the coast soon after last November’s earthquake, to help the marine environment recover.