US Secretary of State John Kerry says his trip to Antarctica has reinforced the value of climate change research.
Mr Kerry has returned to New Zealand after a brief visit to Antarctica, including a stop at Scott Base.
Speaking briefly to media in Christchurch before flying to Wellington for talks tomorrow, he said it was an extraordinary experience.
It was the first time a secretary of state went to Antarctica.
Earlier this year, Mr Kerry called Donald Trump's victory in the Republican primary race as an embarrassment to his country.
After Mr Trump won the presidential race, Mr Kerry offered his congratulations and reiterated the Democratic leadership's promise for a smooth transition to the Trump administration.