The potential collapse of an Antarctic ice shelf is unlikely to result in more icebergs appearing off the coast of the South Island, an expert says.
In late 2006, a flotilla of icebergs drifted north along the South Island's east coast sparking international interest.
It was the first time the Antarctic discards had been spotted from mainland New Zealand since 1931.
Niwa oceanographer Dr Mike Williams, of Wellington said it was unlikely any icebergs from the Wilkins Ice Shelf, which is teetering on the edge of collapse, would make it to New Zealand.
"Anything off the Antarctic peninsula is unlikely to come this way."
Dominant ocean currents would probably send any icebergs on a journey towards South America instead, he said.
In 1995 the Larsen A ice shelf collapsed followed by the Larsen B in 2002, and the Wilkins Ice shelf is likely to join them, he said.
