This paper traces the historical and scientific links between music and the visual arts through the phenomenon of synaesthetics. Through examination of the theory of synaesthetics and the work of well-known synaesthetes this study identifies commonalities between music, visual art and language that strengthen the connections between the disciplines. Along with personal reflections on my own creative works this paper traces the metacognitive process that led to a study of synaesthetics as a result of a trip to Antarctica in 2004. This study also draws comparisons with the work of other New Zealand composers who have travelled to Antarctica, as well as identifying the implications for teaching and the impact on composition students. The final part of the paper looks at the emphasis placed on integrated arts in the three most recent music syllabi in New Zealand and explores how synaesthetics and the relationship between image and sound forms a useful connection for the cross-curricular teaching of the arts.