New Zealand scientists return from Antarctica's ice with information that could shape future climate policy

A large group of New Zealand and Italian scientists returned to Lyttelton on Saturday - after a two-month voyage through Antarctica's Ross Sea.

Twenty-five Italians and 12 Kiwis were onboard the Laura Bassi - dodging icebergs and battling 185km/h winds in one of the most remote, and largely misunderstood parts of Earth.

According to New Zealand science lead on the Laura Bassi, NIWA oceanographer Craig Stevens, the joint research mission could help shape future climate policy.