LISTEN ABOVE: Sir Ed's son Peter Hilary joined Larry Williams to talk about the journey on the tractors.

One of the slowest motor-races ever to travel New Zealand has come to a close at Mount Cook - it's in an effort to save a piece of New Zealand history.

Expedition South, a two thousand kilometre journey from Piha to Mt Cook on three tractors, began a month ago to save Sir Edmund Hillary's hut in Antarctica.

The group have finished short of their one million dollar goal - they need another three-hundred thousand to restore the historic hut.

The Director of Antarctic Heritage Trust Nigel Watson said they need a final push to reach their target.

"So far, we've raised close to seven-hundred thousand. But we need people to get out and support us in this last bit, to flood that Givealittle page 'Expedition South'. Its the origin of New Zealand's Scott Base. It's the first building from New Zealand's history on the continent."

Mr Watson said the funding will help conserve the building, remove asbestos and maintain the hut for future generations.

Sir Edmund Hillary's son Peter is still delighted with the generosity of people, and the ability to platform such a brilliant New Zealand story.

"This is where the expedition started. This is where back in 1956-57 they came to do their training before they went down and established Scott Base, New Zealand's presence in Antarctica."