Gateway to Antarctica: Ōtautahi Christchurch

Gateway to Antarctica: Ōtautahi Christchurch Ōtautahi Christchurch is one of five Antarctic Gateway cities - how cool! It's not all science and cold - let's go!

We are celebrating our unique status by bringing together the community to showcase all things awesome, that happen on and off the ice. The Antarctic Office has been established by the Christchurch City Council in recognition of Christchurch and New Zealand’s unique relationship to the Antarctic. The role of The Antarctic Office is to help join the dots on Antarctic-related activity across New Zea

land, with Christchurch as New Zealand’s Antarctic centre of endeavor. The Antarctic Office provides strategic direction and leadership that reaches across all Antarctic-related services, infrastructure and public engagement to create global influence for New Zealand on Antarctic issues. Our role is to foster relationships and collaborations with local and central government, national Antarctic programmes, business, researchers, and transport, education and tourism providers.

Ever wondered what research is happening in Antarctica? 🧊🔬The Antarctic Science Platform has secured funding for the nex...
27/07/2026

Ever wondered what research is happening in Antarctica? 🧊🔬

The Antarctic Science Platform has secured funding for the next six years to investigate how Antarctica influences the rest of the world – and what a warming climate means for our future.

They've just launched brand-new webpages showcasing the incredible science underway, from ice sheets and oceans to ecosystems and climate.

Take a look and discover the research helping us better understand our changing planet. 🌏

Over two decades of extraordinary conservation have helped preserve one of Antarctica's most iconic historic sites – Sco...
24/07/2026

Over two decades of extraordinary conservation have helped preserve one of Antarctica's most iconic historic sites – Scott's Terra Nova hut at Cape Evans.
If you're fascinated by Antarctic history and heritage, this new podcast series is well worth a listen. 👇

🎙️ New podcast alert!Step aboard the 2025 Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ and journey to the Ross Sea, Antarctica with 7...
14/07/2026

🎙️ New podcast alert!

Step aboard the 2025 Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ and journey to the Ross Sea, Antarctica with 77 Degrees South – a new six-part podcast from Antarctic Heritage Trust.

Follow the team's mission to return a precious taonga, explore the historic huts of Scott and Shackleton, and discover what it means to become the next generation of kaitiaki for Antarctica's unique heritage.

❄️ Adventure
🏛️ History
🌏 Conservation
🎧 Six episodes available now

👉 https://nzaht.org/77-degrees-south-podcast/

77 Degrees South Podcast follows a team of young explorers to the the historic huts of Scott and Shackleton.

Well that was a lot of fun this morning at New Brighton!A great turn out and some great costumes. A tropical water temp ...
20/06/2026

Well that was a lot of fun this morning at New Brighton!
A great turn out and some great costumes.
A tropical water temp of 11 degrees.
Thanks for having us New Zealand Antarctic Society 😁

Planning to brave New Zealand Antarctic Society's annual Polar Plunge this Sunday? 🐧❄️ https://www.facebook.com/events/1...
18/06/2026

Planning to brave New Zealand Antarctic Society's annual Polar Plunge this Sunday? 🐧❄️ https://www.facebook.com/events/1314615727422152

Once you’ve conquered the cold, warm up with a sunrise soak at He Puna Taimoana ♨️

While there are no dedicated spots for plungers, sunrise sessions (7.30–9.30am) still have limited availability — book ahead and arrive after your dip for the ultimate contrast experience.

From Antarctic conditions… to pure relaxation:

https://www.hepunataimoana.co.nz/buy-now/entry-passes

09/06/2026

The connection between Antarctica and the Southern Ocean is pretty extraordinary. ❄️🌊

The Ross Sea is home to the world’s largest marine protected area, with scientists continuing to monitor and better understand this globally significant ecosystem and the impacts of climate change.

Worth a watch. 💙

Talk about a tall tale... 👀✈️The tails of two legendary RNZAF aircraft — the Hercules and Orion — have landed in a new e...
05/06/2026

Talk about a tall tale... 👀✈️

The tails of two legendary RNZAF aircraft — the Hercules and Orion — have landed in a new exhibition at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand.

Both aircraft played important roles supporting New Zealand’s Antarctic programme over the decades, and now you can stand beside their enormous tails and appreciate just how big these aircraft really were.

A pretty cool addition to Christchurch's Antarctic story. ❄️

03/06/2026

Now this is a big Antarctic job. 👀❄️

Antarctica New Zealand is searching for its next General Manager Antarctic Operations — a pivotal leadership role supporting New Zealand’s work on the ice and the future of Scott Base.

Not your average commute! 👀

Looking for something a little different to check out? 👀❄️This could be right up the alley of a few of our Antarctic-cur...
25/05/2026

Looking for something a little different to check out? 👀❄️

This could be right up the alley of a few of our Antarctic-curious residents…

A great chance to hear more about the polar regions, governance, science and some of the fascinating similarities (and differences) between the Arctic and Antarctic 🌍

📅 Date: Wednesday 27th May 2026
⏰ Time: 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
📍Location: University of Canterbury, James Logie 613
🍎 Refreshments will be served

https://www.instagram.com/p/DYkGF0lhN8B/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

New Zealand Institute of International Affairs - NZIIA - National Office University of Canterbury UC Science

Address

ChristchurchNZ, BNZ Centre, Level , 101 Cashel Street
Christchurch
8011

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Gateway to Antarctica: Ōtautahi Christchurch posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share