Items from Scott's ship Terra Nova were lent to the museum from the Canterbury Museum, in Christchurch, in time for Scott 100 commemorations in Oamaru, and museum curator Chloe Searle said it was a ''real thrill'' to be able to see the 14 items in Oamaru.
Miss Searle said the ''Treasures from the Terra Nova'' exhibition, which included a range of items related to different facets of Antarctic exploration including the clothing worn, the scientific work carried out and what was eaten on the journey, would run until March 10.
A pair of surprisingly thin Finnesko boots that had belonged to the ship's medical officer, Dr George Murray Levick, were also on display, she said.
''They are quite amazing. You wouldn't even want to wear them around Oamaru in the winter, let alone the Antarctic.''
She said special consideration was needed to preserve the items, which had to be kept in a temperature-controlled environment, while they were on display.
The items would be kept at precisely 18degC to make sure they did not become subject to mould damage, she said.
''We have to keep the light levels quite low so they don't fade, and they need to be kept at the right temperature.
''These items from the Terra Nova are real treasures and it is a joy to present them as part of Oamaru Scott 100. It is a great chance to get up close to items that are part of the Terra Nova story. We are grateful to Canterbury Museum for loaning us these items in order to share them with the public.''
Five days of centennial commemorations start in Oamaru on Waitangi Day, and will include a regatta in the harbour on Saturday, and a re-enactment of Terra Nova's 1913 arrival on Sunday.
