Antarctica's land mass is nearly as great as that of Europe and the USA combined.
Today several countries have jurisdiction over sections of Antarctica. New Zealand's Ross Dependency is among these. The Ross Dependency stretches from 160 degrees east to 15 degrees west of the Greenwich meridian. Its biggest geographical feature is the massive Ross Ice Shelf. Habitations include Scott Base (NZ) and McMurdo Sound (USA).
The first stamps produced specifically for use in the Antarctic were issued by the New Zealand Post Office on 15 January 1908 when the then current 1d Universal stamp of New Zealand was issued with a special overprint reading 'King Edward V11 Land'. This stamp was used on mail for the first time by members of the Shackleton Antarctic Expedition. Since then, there have been many stamps issued specifically for use in the Antarctic. Ross Dependency stamps were first issued in 1957, such stamps were, however, discontinued in 1987 when the New Zealand Post Office on the ice was closed.
Due to both local and international demand, Ross Dependency stamps were re-introduced in November 1994.
Ross Dependency stamps are not valid for posting within New Zealand.
Map of the Ross Dependency
Stamp Issues Available
Historical Stamp Issues