The Akademik Shokalskiy is trapped in pack ice 3,000km southwest of Bluff.
An icebreaker is expected to reach a stranded Antarctic research ship with six Kiwis on board late tonight.
The MV Akademik Shokalskiy has been stranded in heavy sea-ice with about 70 scientists and crew on board since Christmas morning.
Among the stranded passengers are six New Zealanders - ornithologist Kerry-Jayne
Wilson, University of Auckland doctoral student Colin Tan, historians John and Barbara Tucker, and two chefs.
The Russian-flagged ice ship, which is stranded about 3000km southwest of New Zealand, left Bluff on December 8 on an expedition led by scientists from the University of New South Wales.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), which is co-ordinating the rescue, said last night it remained in regular contact with the vessel.
