Christchurch - Gateway to Antarctica
As one of five gateway cities to Antarctica in the world, Christchurch has developed strong links with the vast continent that go well beyond the stepping-off point for expeditions, spanning business, research, tourism and art.
The United States, Italy and Korea have support offices for their national Antarctic programmes based in Christchurch where hundreds of world-class scientists, explorers, artists and the likes prepare for their work in Antarctica. The Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programmes (COMNAP) secretariat also has its headquarters in Christchurch and the University of Canterbury hosts the Antarctic Environments Portal, a New Zealand-led platform which reduces the gap between science and policy.
Christchurch City Links
Throughout Christchurch historic links with Antarctica and tributes to early explorers are evident. Central city walking trails provides on an enlightening journey that covers three centuries of exploration.
A statue of Robert Falcon Scott in the heart of the city commemorates the great explorer who left the Christchurch port of Lyttelton to sail to Antarctica on his second mission in 1910 and never returned. It was sculpted by Scott’s widow, Kathleen Scott. It was to be made in bronze, but when work started in 1915 World War I was underway and all available metal was being used for armaments. It serves as a memorial to those who died with Scott on his return journey from the South Pole in 1912, and bears his last message: ‘I do not regret this journey, which shows that Englishmen can endure hardships, help one another, and meet death with as great a fortitude as ever in the past’. There is information on the statue and an update on its post-earthquake status on the Christchurch City Council website.
Canterbury Museum’s Sir Robertson Stewart Hall of Antarctic Discovery, celebrates over a century of Antarctic exploration and features an internationally significant collection of items many from Scott, Shackleton, Amundsen and Hillary, including unique Antarctic photographs and archives.
Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna O Waiwhetu exhibits works from the Artists who have participated in Antarctica New Zealand’s Community Engagement Programme, which showcases the output from media, writers, educators and artists who have visited Scott Base. The Christchurch Central City Library and the University of Canterbury Library both have extensive collections of Antarctic material that further depict the city’s connection with Antarctica.
Gateway Antarctica is the centre for Antarctic studies and research at the University of Canterbury, which plays a leading role in a range of national and international Antarctic research projects. Areas include engineering in extreme environments, Antarctica as driver of (and responder to) climate change, connections between Antarctica and New Zealand, and human influences in and on Antarctica.
Ferrymead Heritage Park in Christchurch, features a restored DC3 plane used for US Antarctic supply missions in the 1960s, and the city’s Air Force Museum has a collection of historic aircraft including original Beaver and Auster aircraft used in early Antarctic aviation.
The Christchurch Botanic Gardens has a Magnetic Observatory established to assist in locating the South Magnetic Pole, and is one of only three in the southern hemisphere. The observatory was used by early Antarctic explorers and operated until 1969.
The Contribution of Antarctic related Activities to the Canterbury and New Zealand Economy Report can be found here. The report estimates Antarctic-related activities bring $125 million to the Canterbury economy and $178 million to the New Zealand economy.
Antarctic Office
The Antarctic Office has been established with the aim of driving Christchurch to be an exemplar Antarctic gateway city. While the Office has been established by the Christchurch City Council with committed annual funding through the 2015-25 Long Term Plan, the Office reports to, and is directed by the Antarctic Office Board, with representation from partner agencies.
The Antarctic Office Board has delegated authority to provide strategic direction and leadership through the Antarctic Office so that the objective of Christchurch becoming an exemplar Antarctic Gateway city is successfully met. This will be done primarily through the development and implementation of the Antarctic Strategy.
Christchurch International Airport
As New Zealand’s launching pad for Antarctica, Christchurch Airport receives passengers from around the world who will be working in the Ross Dependency, Antarctica. The Airport also welcomes visitors arriving into Christchurch who wish to explore the rich history the city has with Antarctica.
The Antarctic apron is home to the specialist aircraft that use the airport as a base for flights to the ice, and an Indian totem pole of friendship stands at the entrance to the airport complex which was carved in 1959 and donated by the United States in appreciation for hospitality given to personnel of Operation Deep Freeze.
When Antarctic scientific expeditions began in the 1950s the United States Air Force, Air National Guard and the Royal New Zealand Air Force were stationed in Christchurch as part of Operation Deep Freeze. Sixty years on that partnership has deepened and the operations remain active all year round.
Between September – March Antarctic operations are in full swing. During this period New Zealand Hercules, American C17s Globemasters, Ski-equipt LC130s and other specialist aircraft can be seen on the Apron north of the main passenger terminals, loading freight and personnel for the 4,000kms flight to McMurdo Sound.
During the summer operational season, aircraft make around 100 flights to Antarctica and moving than 5,500 passengers and 1400 tonnes of cargo. Over 75% of the world’s scientists travelling to Antarctica depart from Christchurch.
Lyttelton
The British Antarctic expeditions departed from Lyttelton on their voyage to Antarctica in 1901 and 1910. Having farewelled a number of Antarctic explorers from early days to current times, Lyttelton continues to provide the refuelling station for Antarctic supply vessels.
The International Antarctic Centre
In 1992 the International Antarctic Centre was opened just a few minute’s walk from the passenger terminals of Christchurch Airport and right next door to the national Antarctic programme offices based in Christchurch. The centre is the only specialised Antarctic attraction in the world and is an important outreach and education location for Kiwi’s and international visitors alike.
New Zealand IceFest
NZ IceFest highlights New Zealand’s leadership in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
This Christchurch festival focuses the world’s attention to the importance of the white continent and helps us understand the impacts we may face as our climate systems change. Through creative and interactive experiences the Festival brings Antarctica to the general public, the Antarctic community and international visitors.