Iceberg.co.nz
Title
Christchurch Attractions International Antarctic Centre Christchurch New Zealand Attractions
Description
For over a century Christchurch has been the gateway to Antarctica. Back in 1901 Robert Falcon Scott's ship 'Discovery' docked at the city's port at Lyttelton. Six years later Ernest Henry Shackleton followed in 'Nimrod', and in 1910 Scott returned with 'Terra Nova' embarking on his ill-fated second expedition.
In 1955 a new era began when Christchurch first welcomed the United States planes, ships and crews of "Operation Deep Freeze". This close relationship continues today.
The International Antarctic Centre opened on 28 September 1990. The Centre, developed by Christchurch International Airport Limited, was established to support Antarctic scientific programmes. Its architecture was inspired by the icebergs, ice shelves and glaciers of Antarctica.
