We moseyed on down to Cathedral Square this morning, to buy tickets to Antarctica. As we waited for the Penguin Express, the bus we needed to catch that would take us to our cold destination we explored the picturesque square.
We took a look in the impressive Christ Church Cathedral, consecrated in 1881, and also watched as the restored original trams meandered past.
Then our transportation arrived, and we hopped on for our short drive out to Antarctica…or the International Antarctic Centre, as it is better known!
As Christchurch is only 3825 kms from Antarctica it has been an important gateway to the chilly South for over a century. The International Antarctic Centre is part of a huge complex built for the administration of the NZ, US and Italian Antarctic programmes.
As we entered the complex the morning feed was just about to commence at the ‘NZ Penguin Encounter’, so we legged it through to catch a glimpse of the cute little blue penguins having brekkie.
Out of the 66 (yes we counted) photos that Ben took here are a few of the best ones…we think he has found his new calling – a wildlife photographer!
The penguins housed here are birds that have been rescued and cared for; due to physical disabilities that have left them defenceless they are unable to be released back into the wild.
Next was the Antarctic Gallery, where we got stuck in with the interactive displays, learning all about life in the frozen South. Ben played dress up….
We then got wrapped up in complimentary booties and coats to enter the ‘Snow and Ice Experience’; a room with an average temperature of –8 degrees, and real snow and ice.
We played around with the skidoo, igloo…and even took a ride down the icy slope.
We then suffered a recreated Antarctic storm, with winds of 40km, and a temperature of –18 degrees…only Ben braved it smiling!
Phew…once out and warmed up we ventured outside to catch a ride on the Hagglund.
Now, we didn’t explain fully to Tracy what was involved, and it was only once on, and with the door locked did she start to comprehend what was about to happen! Hence her checking the seals on the door in this photo…
The exhilarating ride took us over hills, speeding through open ground, up the ‘hill of terror’ a steep hill the equivalent height of a 2 storey house and ending in a 3 metre deep pool to show it’s amphibious capabilities.
After being thoroughly shook up we got our backstage passes to see the little blue penguins in their own environment, where we followed an Antarctic Ranger to the outdoor enclosure, and rehabilitation centre.
But, it wasn’t over yet…still more time to play!
Better get the bus back to the YMCA, as we have an important date tonight!!
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