Antarctic Centre and Horseback Trek

Since we are so close (relatively!) to Antarctica, but unable to visit, we went to the Antarctic Centre to learn more about this continent and expeditions that have gone there. Many (over 70%!) of the flights to the various international bases in Antarctica occur in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Our first part of the experience was to ride in a Hagglund vehicle that is used in Antarctica for transporting people and equipment. Not having our morning coffee yet (some of us), this ride was quite a jolt as we went up 45 degree hills and even floated across water. Some screams were involved . . . .

They are smiling now . . . .

Looking out the back at a hill and a pond that we went through

The Centre had lots of information and displays about current and past expeditions. One factoid that I learned was that certain valleys in Antarctica reach 25C! Also - 3 million years ago - Antarctica was covered in beech forest. Quite warm as this was due to sides of hills reflecting light into the valley. There was also an Antarctic storm "experience" - but honestly, it was not near as cold or windy as what we experienced on Quail island!

At the entryway into the venue

Reading about past expeditions

Beech forest in Antarctica!

Experiences a little of the Antarctic weather

Even a wee igloo

Of course, there are penguins in Antarctica and we learned about penguin behavior and biology. In fact, the white-flippered penguins were on display and we were able to see the keepers feed them. "The White-flippered penguin is one of the smallest and most endangered penguins in the world. It is endemic to Canterbury, New Zealand breeding only on Banks Peninsula and Motunau Island"

White-flippered penguin - like the one we saw the other day when we hiked Godley Head

The students wanted to go horseback riding, so after lunch, we went to a place near the Waimakariri River. "Wai"means water in Maori - similar to "Kai" which means food. This is Maori language week in New Zealand so I had to throw this in here. We saddled up and trekked along the river and back.

Getting ready!

Explaining the finer details of riding a horse

On the trail!

OK -- artsy shot

Cat on Hay!

'Til tomorrow, Mark