Now, here is something you might not know about Christchurch! Because New Zealand is one of the closest places most of us will every get to Antarctica, Christchurch is actually a hub for Antarctica activity. Christchurch is many researchers’ and Antarctic explorers’ last connection with the civilized world before making their final flight to Antarctica. The Antarctic air operations of the US, Italy and New Zealand are operated through Christchurch Airport. To celebrate the fact, the International Antarctic Centre, a hands-on (and we mean hands-on) museum, is situated just across the road from the United States Antarctic Program’s base at Christchurch Airport. Just like any Antarctic explorer (yep, we are definitely in the same league), it’s also going to be our last port of call before leaving the Christchurch area… (sited here)
We were excited to go and see the penguins and other interesting things at the International Antarctic Centre. We had no idea about Christchurch's connection to Antarctica but it made sense since it is one of the closest places to Antarctica.
It really wasn't cold in THIS room, I just told them to act like it since they were standing around all this fake ice!!
So.... an emperor penguin is just a little shorter than Alyssa
Savannah was trying to beat the clock. There was a challenge to keep your hand in this Antarctic water for 1 minute. She only lasted 30 seconds. BRRRRRR cold!!
We got to ride in a Hagglund vehicle that they use in Antarctica to get around. They have a Hagglund track behind the center and we went over obstacles and up and down steep inclines to show us how unique this vehicle is. Me and Ava had to ride in the back together and the other 3 were in the front section.
Inside the center, they had an Antarctic Blizzard room. We got all dressed up in their coats and shoe covers and went inside. They counted down and then they turned on the wind and snow to simulate a blizzard in the Antarctic. I tried to get a video, but it was too dark. It was crazy cold. The girls went and found a little igloo, but I wasn't fitting in that. The wind chill got down to below 0 and they only turned the wind up to 26 miles an hour.
Ava is standing on melted ice from each pole! A once in a lifetime experience !
We watched two 4D movies.... interactive 3D movies that bumped your seat, blew wind and spit water on you. Fun stuff!!
A baby blue penguin (looking in on a hideout). They go down that pipe to get to the outside and the water.
The girls with a GIANT little blue penguin
A seriously old school snowmobile! Not like Grandpas!!
We had a great time at the International Antarctic Centre
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