Buzz Aldrin is in New Zealand, but under bad circumstances

The second man to walk on the moon has been evacuated from Antarctica to New Zealand suffering respiratory problems.

The former astronaut is in Christchurch Hospital where he is being treated for fluid on his lungs after a midnight mercy dash from the icy continent.

Aldrin was part of a tourist group with luxury adventure tour company White Desert.

The company said this morning Aldrin was responding well to treatment and was in good spirits.

"He currently has fluid in his lungs but is responding well to antibiotics and being kept overnight for observation. His condition is stable and his manager, who is currently with him, described him being in good spirits."

The 86-year-old tourist arrived in Christchurch overnight after his health suddenly deteriorated, said the NSF Polar Programme.

NSF spokesman Peter West said a Safair cargo plane making the mercy dash to New Zealand touched down at Christchurch International Airport about 4:25am and was transferred to Christchurch Hospital.

Aldrin was at the Amundsen-Scott Station at the South Pole when he fell ill.

Two doctors, one from the US Antarctic Programme, decided it was best to evacuate him off the ice.

He was first flown to McMurdo Station and then scheduled on the first available flight for Christchurch. 

Before leaving for Antarctica Aldrin posted pictures of himself and tour companions from a South African airport.

- Newstalk ZB