The Antarctic Centre

Christchurch sits on the South Island's upper east coast. Beside the airport, along the city's outer rim you'll find The Antarctic Centre. An educational/entertainment attraction based on the fact the Christchurch Airport acts as the launch point for missions to the frozen continent.

One of the airport landing strips points straight south and there is literally nothing but ocean between the end of the runway and the Antarctic coast. Flights to the research stations have to get constant weather updates because fuel limits create a point of no return.

The United States Antarctic Program uses a Hercules heavy cargo plane. A plane of such gross tonnage that once it lands it is on a strict 8 hour turnaround clock. If it doesn't take off again by then it will sink to deeply into the ice to get it rolling again.

We stopped in on our way into the city and I figured while I was there I would due the full package. So I bought the admission that included aHagglund ride as well as entrance to the indoor exhibits. A Hagglund is the vehicle they use to get around in the South Pole. It looks like two lunch boxes on tank treads connected by a rail car joint. It's not an impressive sight, nor is the gravel track out back where the ride it around. Your first impression is that this pretty much is a kiddie ride. But then they put theHagglund through it's paces and you know why this is the machine they use in the harshest climate on earth.

A Hagglund can be immersed 3/4 into water, can be tipped more than 30º backward, forward or sideways without rolling over or losing it's grip on shifting materials like loose snow, ice or gravel, and it can cross a gap of about 3 feet. The ride is a little rough but a lot of fun.

Inside there were many informative displays very reminiscent of Toronto's own Science Centre dealing with the flora, fauna, ecosystems and conditions of the Antarctic. This included a habitat of Blue Penguins, the smallest species of penguin. Even though most of them were adults they all looked and moved like adorable little babies.


There was also an indoor snowstorm where you could get a taste of the South Pole's wind conditions. I quite liked the emergency storm stop button. I want one for home.

On the way out there are plaques for all the signatories to the Antarctic Treaty. The treaty that preserves the antarctic as a shared resource for research and prevents and one country from claiming it. Canada joined when I was in high school.

Afterwards we got headed into the city centre. In three days I would be leaving for Australia from Christchurch but before I did I had to make a side trip to Kaikoura. There was one more thing I had to see.