Christchurch has a long history of involvement with the Antarctic, from the early days of Southern Ocean exploration, as a vital port during the heroic era expeditions of discovery and the scientific age of the International Geophysical Year, through to today as a hub of Antarctic research and logistics. There are five key ‘Gateway’ cities in the Southern Hemisphere for travel south to the white continent, of which Christchurch is one. The stopping off point, port, and home to some of the most influential figures in Southern Ocean and Antarctic history, including Cook, Scott, Shackleton and Hillary, Christchurch, Lyttelton and the surrounding region of Canterbury are full of links to Antarctica. These links continue to this day, with Christchurch hosting the Antarctic programs of not only New Zealand, but also the USA, Italy and South Korea. Beyond the historical, exploratory and scientific connections, Antarctica permeates the city’s people, cultural, artistic and economic heart. Come and explore Canterbury’s ties to the great white South...