Which of these cities is closest to the South Pole?

The distances from the choices given to the South Pole are as follows:

• Chile - Punta Arenas - 4110 km or 2554 miles
• Falkland Islands - Stanley - 4273 km or 2655 miles
• New Zealand - Wellington - 5429 km or 3374 miles
• South Africa - Cape Town - 6247 km or 3882 miles

While cities in Chile are closer, in the 21st century many expeditions fly to the pole, and other places in Antarctica, from New Zealand where supplies and facilities are available for the five+ hour trip. Christchurch has become the aerial gateway to the Antarctic with over 100 direct flights each year.

Toward the end of the 19th century many explorers were interested in expeditions to the South Pole despite the distance and harsh conditions. Attempts were made during the 1890's but the first to document arrival at the pole (90° S) was Roald Amundsen's South Pole expedition. They arrived on 14 December 1911. Also reaching the South Pole on 17 January 1912, Robert Falcon Scott. The diaries and accounts documenting the hardships of these expeditions make fascinating reading.