An Antarctic summer is over once more for the Defence Force.

A Royal New Zealand Air Force Boeing 757 touched down in Christchurch last night - onboard were the remaining 22 personnel from this season's contingent.

They have been based in Antarctica for two months.

Operation Antarctica is a joint effort between the Navy, Army, Air Force with up to 220 personnel deployed during the October to February summer season.

This year 60 Army soldiers and logistics specialists helped unload the annual container ship which provides McMurdo Station and Scott Base with a year’s supply of science equipment, food, and construction materials.

That's needed to sustain researchers in one of the world’s most inhospitable laboratories.

Deputy Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, Air Commodore Kevin McEvoy says since 1965 the Defence Force has been supporting New Zealand and American scientists as they carry out important research on the ice.

An RNZAF Boeing 757 will complete one last flight in early April before the winter season officially starts.