Antarctica New Zealand is extending its summer season.

Yesterday's budget included an announcement by Foreign Minister Winston Peters that Antarctica New Zealand would receive a total of $5.9 million over the next four years to boost its contribution to the joint New Zealand/United States Antarctic logistics pool. It will receive $1.1 million of this funding in 2007/08.

As a result, flights to the ice will run from October through to April next year. Normally the season finishes in February.

Antarctica New Zealand CEO Lou Sanson says the longer season will let researchers gain valuable information on how Antarctic ecosystems shut down for the long winter period.

Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130 aircraft will be used to make the first ever late-season flights.