Gateway to Antarctica: Ōtautahi Christchurch

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

Entry passes

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. ❄️

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

NZIIA Christchurch is back!! We are excited to announce that our first in-person event of the year, “Antarctic and Arctic Governance: Science, Collaboration and Politics in a Changing World,” will take place next Wednesday, the 27th of May. Join us for a panel discussion with Dr Ursula Rack, polar historian and Adjunct Senior Fellow at Gateway Antarctica and Professor Wolfgang Rack, professor for glaciology and remote sensing at the University of Canterbury, and Director of the Centre for Antarctic Studies and Research. During this event we will explore the differences, similarities and challenges within the Arctic and Antarctic regions 🧊 📅 Date: Wednesday 27th May 2026 ⏰ Time: 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm 📍Location: University of Canterbury, James Logie 613 🍎 Refreshments will be served Please RSVP via the link in our bio or scan the QR code, we can’t wait to see you all next week!

🐧💙 A pretty special full-circle moment for University of Canterbury PhD student Alexandra Strang — returning from 106 days in Antarctica studying the very Adélie penguins she’s been researching since 2021.

Great to see another example of the Antarctic research connections and opportunities linked to Christchurch as a gateway city. 👏

📍Thanks University of Canterbury for sharing.

Curious about Antarctica and the changing world around us? ❄️🌍

University of Canterbury's free online course, Antarctica in a Changing Climate, explores the unique Antarctic environment, its ecosystems, and the role the icy continent plays in our global climate system.

Perfect for anyone wanting to better understand the science, stories and significance of Antarctica — from the comfort of home.

📚 Free online course
🧊 Learn at your own pace
🌏 Open to everyone

Enrol now via the University of Canterbury:

Antarctica in a Changing Climate | UC 'Antarctica in a Changing Climate' is a free online course through University of Canterbury's UCx platform that explores the exceptional aspects of the Antarctic climate and its ecosystems.

Happy 100th birthday to the legendary David Attenborough 🎉🌏❄️

For generations, Sir David has helped the world fall in love with our planet — from the deepest oceans to the frozen landscapes of Antarctica.

His storytelling has reminded us that places like Antarctica aren’t distant, empty spaces. They are deeply connected to all of us — shaping climate, oceans, wildlife, science, and the future of our planet.

As an Antarctic Gateway city, Ōtautahi Christchurch sees firsthand the global collaboration, research, logistics and care that help protect this extraordinary continent.

Thank you, Sir David, for inspiring curiosity, wonder, and action for 100 remarkable years. 💙

You can revisit some of his incredible Antarctic storytelling here:

Antarctica -David Attenborough - BBC Earth Share your videos with friends, family, and the world