Erebus bound at last

Andrew Bond will visit the site where his parents died. Photo / Supplied

Andrew Bond's life was turned upside down when his house was damaged beyond repair in the Canterbury earthquake.

But he has just received some great news - he will finally get his wish and visit Mt Erebus, where his parents perished in New Zealand's worst air crash.

Bond turned 16 on the day his parents, Marilyn and Robbie, left Auckland in November 1979 on the ill-fated Air New Zealand flight that claimed 237 passengers and 20 crew members.

Now, he will be one of 80 passengers on an Air NZ commemorative flight in February, thanks to the generosity of his elder brother, Tony.

Nearly 200 family members of those who died put their names into a ballot for the flight. While Andrew missed out in the draw, Tony's name was called.

But two weeks ago, he told Andrew he was giving up his seat for him. Tony had been overseas when his name was drawn and only discovered the letter from Air NZ when he returned home.

"He rang up, pretty much, 20 minutes after he arrived in the country. Straight after he opened his letters," Andrew said. "I was so pleased."

An Air NZ spokesman said several family members had chosen to transfer their seats to other family members.

Andrew, 46, has been trying for six years to go to Antarctica.

He missed out on a ballot for three seats on the 30th anniversary flight.

Air NZ was criticised for taking so few family members and the flight was described by some as a publicity stunt.

Andrew said the flight and time on the ice would be an "emotional" experience.

"Five, six, seven hours to get there; that period of time on a plane full of people who have all lost loved ones. I think that will be quite an amazing experience."

It is expected that family representatives will be able to remain on the ground for several hours at Scott Base.

There will be a memorial service at the base and a capsule will be placed at the crash site.