The first flight to Antarctica for six months will depart from New Zealand's South Island city of Christchurch on Thursday.

Following three months of darkness and half a year in isolation, the arrival of spring means the flights can resume to the icy continent.

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster is being used for the mission.

The plane will deliver fresh fruit and vegetables, mail and new staff to the New Zealand and U.S. Antarctic stations.

Twenty-six New Zealanders have been stationed at Scott Base for the winter to research the formation of sea ice.

(Xinhua News Agency August 20, 2009)