Nearly 100-year-old butter found at Scott Base

A near 100-year-old pack of New Zealand butter, in good condition, has been found in Antarctica.

The butter, bearing the maker's Fernleaf symbol and date, was found in a sack by workers at New Zealand's Scott Base, The Press reported.

Made by the central Canterbury cooperative Dairy Company, it was believed to be the oldest in the world.

It was found frozen in the stable area adjacent to Robert Falcon Scott's hut.

"I think the butter was absolutely a treasure find," Lizzie Meek, of the Antarctic Heritage Trust told TVNZ.

"It looked like an old wrinkly bag and you look inside and saw the wonderful Silver Fern logo.

"What's amazing is how strong that smells. Nearly 100 years - very very strong, possibly a bit too strong?"

The butter will now be carefully restored.

- NZPA