Cape Hallett

Cape Hallett is a headland on the Borchgrevink Coast of northern Victoria Land, Antarctica, on the western side of the Ross Sea. It is known primarily for the Antarctic research station that was established there during the International Geophysical Year.

The location includes exposed coastal rock, sea-ice influenced shoreline and nearby seabird and penguin colonies. Scientific interest has focused on meteorology, geology and biology in the immediate area, while human structures are limited and managed under Antarctic Treaty protections.

A joint United States and New Zealand research facility, Hallett Station, was constructed at the cape in 1957 and operated until 1973, after which the site was largely vacated and later managed for environmental cleanup and historical preservation. The station’s history is the principal human story associated with the headland.

Cape Hallett lies at approximately 72.3°S, 170.3°E on the Borchgrevink Coast of Victoria Land, facing the Ross Sea in Antarctica.

• Station dates: Home to a former joint US-New Zealand research station established in 1957 and closed in 1973, now the subject of historic-site management and environmental remediation.
• Wildlife: Supports seabird and penguin colonies in the surrounding coastal area, though access is restricted under Antarctic conservation arrangements.

What to See #

• Hallett Station: A joint United States and New Zealand research station built for the International Geophysical Year in 1957, operated intermittently until closure in 1973; some station remains and environmental work has followed under Antarctic Treaty programs.