Our diversion to Christchurch on the way home created the opportunity to visit the Antarctic Centre which is just outside the perimeter of the airport. A freezing cold wind greeted us as we left the airport for the ten minute walk to the Centre so at least we were slightly prepared for what was to come!
This little chappie, a blue penguin, was called Elvis I believe. The penguins were very cute, particularly at feeding time when some were very fussy and would only eat out of the keeper's hand.
Every half an hour the room goes dark, the wind blows and the temperature drops significantly as they simulate an Antarctic type storm.
As you can see, everyone was well wrapped up...except Cameron, who just thought it was fun! Dan loved the ice slide and forgot the fact that he was going to be stuck in cold damp clothes on a plane for another 24 hours!
The wind chill factor made the temperature drop to minus 18 degrees C. It was quite an experience, but actually didn't seem THAT cold.
The centre is the base for people who are on the way to the bases in Antarctica,where they pick up their kit.....thermals,a parka jacket and a flask of hot coffee... but has also now become a major NZ tourist attraction. One which we were really pleased to visit.
This little chappie, a blue penguin, was called Elvis I believe. The penguins were very cute, particularly at feeding time when some were very fussy and would only eat out of the keeper's hand.There were various displays about life in the Antarctic(quite cold there apparently) and I would have loved to have visited minus children to be able to read all the info, but Dan and Cam were eager to get to the simulated Antarctic Storm room so we rushed to it. We weren't disappointed!
To enter the room,you have to wear covers over your shoes and don delightful hooded Parka jackets designed to keep you as warm as possible. The temperature is kept at about -8C , with snow and ice everywhere,a token igloo and an ice slide. The slide was great fun tho a bit chilly on the backside but even I had a go, tho getting back on my feet was a struggle!
Every half an hour the room goes dark, the wind blows and the temperature drops significantly as they simulate an Antarctic type storm.As you can see, everyone was well wrapped up...except Cameron, who just thought it was fun! Dan loved the ice slide and forgot the fact that he was going to be stuck in cold damp clothes on a plane for another 24 hours!The wind chill factor made the temperature drop to minus 18 degrees C. It was quite an experience, but actually didn't seem THAT cold.From the storm room we moved outside to have a go on one of these...
.....a Hagglund. It's an all terrain vehicle and the tour they give you at the Antarctic Centre tales you around the car park, well a very bumpy car park. The vehicles are fab in that they will go up and down steep hills and drives across crevasses. The best bit is when you are taken through deep water
...thank goodness the doors were closed!!! I would have loved to have had a go at driving it!
Well we made it! It was a great couple of hours. And so back to the airport and on to Auckland......and it is still 28th August....
.....a Hagglund. It's an all terrain vehicle and the tour they give you at the Antarctic Centre tales you around the car park, well a very bumpy car park. The vehicles are fab in that they will go up and down steep hills and drives across crevasses. The best bit is when you are taken through deep water
...thank goodness the doors were closed!!! I would have loved to have had a go at driving it! Well we made it! It was a great couple of hours. And so back to the airport and on to Auckland......and it is still 28th August....
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