The Government is asking activists to avoid confrontation with Japanese whalers this season.

Japan's whaling fleet is on its way to the Ross Sea in Antarctica, and a Sea Shepherd Conservation Society ship is on its way to meet it. New Zealand Search and Rescue is responsible for covering the Ross Sea.

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully says if anything happens in the Ross Sea, help is a long way away. He says the navy can not park vessels in the area waiting for something to happen so people need to be careful. He says if anything does happen down there, it could be a long time before help arrives.

Mr McCully says the Government will not send a vessel if a rescue is required, and will instead rely on other boats.