Former astronaut Buzz Aldrin makes it to South Pole before being evacuated to New Zealand

Buzz Aldrin is evacuated from Antarctica and arrives safely in Christchurch for medical treatment with his manager Christina Korp.

Buzz Aldrin made it to the South Pole before he was evacuated from Antarctica to a New Zealand hospital.

Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon, was visiting Antarctica as a tourist when he fell ill. He was flown to Christchurch from McMurdo Station and immediately taken to hospital.

The 86-year-old's manager Christina Korp posted on Twitter that Aldrin made it to the South Pole before he was flown out.

As @TheRealBuzz is recovering I did want to let people know that he did make it to the South Pole which was his objective. Thnx for prayers! pic.twitter.com/jDWcq7PvU0

— Christina Korp (@Xtina_Korp) December 2, 2016

Earlier Korp tweeted that the former astronaut had fluid in his lungs, but was recovering in hospital after a "gruelling" 24-hour flight.

After a grueling 24 hours we're safe in New Zealand. Here's the press release about how @TheRealBuzz is doing. https://t.co/neSc2MSaA7 pic.twitter.com/ompWjrbws7

— Christina Korp (@Xtina_Korp) December 1, 2016

In a statement on Aldrin's website, it said he was "responding well to antibiotics" and his condition is stable.

Aldrin was on a sightseeing tour with his son Andrew, according to the Associated Press. The tour group departed Cape Town, South Africa on Tuesday.

Aldrin walks on the surface of the Moon during the 1969 Apollo 11 mission. Photo / Nasa

Buzz Aldrin's lunar footprint in a photo taken by him on July 21, 1969. Photo / Wikimedia