Experience Antarctica In Ōtautahi Christchurch
Credit: Oi YOU!
Welcome To Ōtautahi Christchurch
The Gateway to Antarctica
We extend our warmest greetings to the esteemed members of the Antarctic science and logistics support community.
Whether you are embarking on a journey to Antarctica or returning from an expedition, we are thrilled to have you in our city. Christchurch has a rich Antarctic history, serving as a hub for those who explore the frozen continent.
During your stay, we encourage you to immerse yourself in everything Christchurch has to offer. With excellent accommodation options and a variety of attractions, activities and dining options, we are sure you will have a memorable and enjoyable stay in Christchurch. Your presence enriches our city, and we look forward to being a part of your journey to and from Antarctica.
National Antarctic Program Deals
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Iconic Activities & Attractions
Editor's Picks Of The Top Places To Eat
Discover everything from cosy cafés and neighbourhood bars to romantic fine dining. Savour every flavour that our culturally diverse region has to offer.
Magnetic Observatory Workshop
The workshop is the last remaining building of the historic Magnetic Observatory. Early Antarctic explorers, local and international scientists, including Nobel prize winners, have made many discoveries here. Their work is now celebrated in a permanent exhibition open daily from 10am to 4pm.
CoCA
The Centre of Contemporary Art Toi Moroki (CoCA) is a leading art gallery in Ōtautahi Christchurch, governed by the Canterbury Society of Arts Charitable Trust. The gallery has a rich history of supporting the development of arts practitioners and serving the community since it was established over 140 years ago.
Antarctic Gateway Walking Tour
Hear from scientists and artists, historians and curators, and discover the fascinating stories of Ōtautahi Christchurch's unique connections to the frozen continent.
International Antarctic Centre
The only specialised Antarctic attraction in the world, providing a fun, interactive and informative way to learn about life on the icy continent.
Ferrymead Heritage Park
Includes the photographic darkroom of Herbert Ponting, a member of Captain Scott’s Terra Nova Expedition and the first professional photographer to accompany an Antarctic expedition. Also features a restored DC3 plane used for US Antarctic Operation Deep Freeze in the 1960s.
Akaroa Museum
Akaroa’s favourite son, Captain Frank Worsley, was the ship’s Captain and Navigator aboard Sir Ernest Shackleton’s 1914 – 1917 Endurance expedition. The Akaroa Museum commemorates Worsley's life of adventure. There is also a bronze bust sculpture situated near Akaroa's main wharf.
Air Force Museum Of New Zealand
Displays the original aircraft used during the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1955-1958, co-led by Sir Edmund Hillary.
Black Cat Cruises
The award-winning Black Cat Group is internationally recognised as one of the success stories of the New Zealand tourism industry and an eco-tourism pioneer.
