The new record that Buzz Aldrin just broke

Hospitalised space pioneer Buzz Aldrin will be "insufferable" after learning he's officially the oldest person to reach the South Pole, his manager says.

The 86-year-old former astronaut, who was the second man to walk on the moon, was visiting Antarctica to study its conditions when he fell ill.

He was flown to Christchurch from McMurdo Station on Friday and immediately taken to hospital, where he recently learned he'd just set another record: the oldest person to stand at the South Pole.

In a Tweet, his manager, Christina Korp said she'd told Aldrin about the record - confirmed by the National Science Foundation - and added: "He'll be insufferable now."

Korp said Aldrin was doing "ok. Resting but flirting with all the nurses!"

This morning, she said he still had some congestion in his lungs and has been advised to rest in New Zealand while it clears, before flying home to the US.

In a statement, Aldrin said he was being "very well looked after" in the garden city.

"Thanks to everyone from around the world for their well wishes and support...

"I'm looking forward to getting home soon to spend Christmas with my family and to continue my quest for Cycling Pathways and a permanent settlement on Mars.

"You ain't seen nothing yet!"

Aldrin went to Antarctica to experience and study the conditions, which are closer to those of Mars than any other place on earth.

"I didn't get as much time to spend with the scientists as I would have liked to discuss the research they're doing in relation to Mars.

"My visit was cut short and I had to leave after a couple of hours. I really enjoyed my short time in Antarctica and seeing what life could be like on Mars."

Aldrin was examined after he started to feel short of breath. It was revealed he had congestion in his lung and low oxygen levels, indicating symptoms of altitude sickness.

"This prompted them to get me out on the next flight to McMurdo and once I was at sea level I began to feel much better," Aldrin said.

"I'm extremely grateful to the National Space Foundation for their swift response and help in evacuating me from the Admunsen-Scott Science Station to McMurdo Station and on to New Zealand."

Aldrin yesterday tweeted from his hospital bed about getting a surprise visit in hospital from his long-time friend, NASA deputy administrator Dava Newman.

- NZ Herald