Experiencing Antarctica sits at the top of many people’s wish list. But as one of the most extreme and challenging places on Earth, even a short visit requires careful planning, financial investment, specialist equipment and training.
Fortunately, there’s a far more achievable compromise. There’s good reason that Christchurch is one of five cities in the world known as a ‘Gateway to Antarctica’. The first is obviously its geographical location, but there’s also the fact that within walking distance of Christchurch Airport is the International Antarctic Programme’s working campus. And championing these links between Christchurch and Antarctica is the International Antarctic Centre – open to the public and definitely worth planning a trip (or two) around.
If you’re travelling to Christchurch, don’t just grab your bags at the airport and leave. This epic experience is literally a five-minute walk across the road and the perfect way to introduce yourself to the many unique experiences on offer in and around the city.
Having engaged the minds (and hearts) of millions of visitors since opening in 1992, the goal of the International Antarctic Centre (IAC) is to educate, inspire and hopefully create Antarctic advocates of all ages. And it’s hard not to feel invested after being immersed in such an interactive experience.
Even if you’ve visited the IAC previously, there are numerous reasons to return to this ever-changing landscape. This is why an annual membership is so popular (and surprisingly affordable), allowing unlimited access along with entry discounts for friends and family, and discounts at the café and for retail products in the particularly fantastic gift store.
Christmas parties and birthday parties can also be booked, along with corporate events – surely being greeted by a team of huskies is the best end of year work party ever?
Experiences
Whether it’s the irresistibly cheeky penguins, the chill factor of the Storm Experience or the opportunity to ride the rugged Hägglunds, the assortment of experiences makes it easy to spend the day here.
It’s hard to go past the opportunity to spend time with the penguins (most of them are rescue birds) or the IAC’s four-legged ambassadors – a team of Siberian huskies, and their Husky handler. The dogs can be seen exercising or curled up resting where they can receive cuddles and attention (under supervision).
If you’re a first-timer, book ahead for the IAC guided tour – it’s well worth being part of this to enjoy a deeper understanding around the exhibits and what it’s really like to live and work on the coldest place on earth. The guides are exceptionally passionate about sharing their knowledge of Antarctica. Our tour guide for the day, Karen Hayward, has worked at IAC for 18 years and still takes joy at being immersed in this captivating space.
Her insights into each of the 13 penguins and their individual personalities was a tour highlight, along with being part of their feeding time and watching their interactions. ‘Nick, the ladies’ man’, the penguin who escaped from a shark but still bears scar tissue on his legs, and Turk who was hit by a jet ski and has paralysis will steal a little piece of your heart.
Each penguin has its own fascinating back story, and each has been rescued and is being cared for at the IAC, whilst also helping educate visitors at the same time. I know we’re not supposed to have favourites, but we did find it hard to leave the Penguin Encounter. These delightful little Kororā (Little Blue Penguins) are New Zealand’s smallest penguins. Time your visit around their feeding sessions – their antics are hysterical, or book in for the Breakfast with the Penguins experience.
If you’re not having a personal tour, the gallery walls around the main penguin viewing area features information about each penguin.
Keep an eye out for Tahi, as despite having just one leg, he’s the escape artist of the pack and often breaks out of his pen. Originally from Akaroa, Tahi was found with a badly injured leg and despite best efforts to save it, a bone infection meant that it required amputation.
The whole ethos behind the IAC is to share Antarctica with the world and encourage people to become advocates for this special space. “See it. Love it. Save it.” Is part of the bold vision of this centre when it comes to helping make a difference.
Education
Inspiring the next generation of explorers, interactive programmes are available year-round for schools and groups, and the 4D Extreme Theatre with its motion seats, mist, wind, and tactile effects offer a small sense of just what Antarctica might be like to experience. There are also live webcams from various Antarctica research stations showing what the weather is like and allowing you to watch what’s happening.
The Antarctic Gallery brings the history of Antarctica to life and interactive displays mean you can get a feel for what life’s really like out ‘in the field’ or at Scott Base, as well as the experience of flying to Antarctica in the life size plane body.
Exhilaration
The Antarctic experience amps up to the next level in the Storm Dome, where you can step into real snow and ice at −5°C (jackets and overshoes are provided). Not only will you find yourself in extreme chill, but you’ll also be engulfed by a polar blizzard – complete with wind chill of −18°C. It’s one that your senses will remember in the memory banks and unlike anything else you’ll likely experience other than the real thing.
Hägglund Field Trip
Once your temperature is back to normal, complete the immersive experiences by climb aboard this amphibious, all-terrain vehicle. Modelled on Antarctic expeditions, you can enjoy a quick outside trip as you traverse crevasses, climb icy hills, and feel some of what polar scientists experience.
Originally developed by the Swedish Army, the Hägglund BV206 is fully amphibious, so is comfortable both on land and water – although hopefully you’ll be exclusively on land for your trip.
The International Antarctic Centre is open year-round seven days a week from 9am-4.30pm. Find out more info at iceberg.co.nz
