Days of Ice
Ōtautahi Christchurch is proud to be one of only five cities Antarctic Gateway cities in the world.
Days of Ice (8 - 18 October) celebrates Christchurch’s unique connections with Antarctica with 10 days of events and activities. The programme has something for everyone, including events, exhibitions, guest speakers, Polar films, as well as kids’ activities and competitions.
Explore Days of Ice and be inspired by our city’s links to Antarctica.
10 October 2020
Explore Antarctica Family Day
This is your chance to meet and interact with local Antarctic experts and scientists, with fun activities and competitions for the whole family.
10 - 18 October 2020
Polar Film Festival
Running over two weekends at the Lumiere Cinema at The Arts Centre of Christchurch, enjoy a curated collection of polar-themed films, documentaries and shorts.
Explore Our Events Calendar
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Antarctica Through Fresh Eyes Tauira Film Competition - 24 August - 2 October 2020Kia hiwa rā tauira students in years 1 to 13! We want to see you put together a 3 minute video illustrating Antarctica from a new perspective. Show us why the frozen continent is special to you. -
Penguin Hunt - 26 September - 18 October 2020We’ve painted these quirky swimming birds on rocks and hidden them in the exhibits at Canterbury Museum. Pick up an entry form and search the Museum for as many as you can find. -
IAC Mission to Space - 28 September - 2 October 2020Learn how the international Antarctic missions and space missions are supported by engineering technology that not only provides energy but enables effect data collection to protect Antarctica. -
International Antarctic Centre Penguin Keepers - 28 September - 8 October 2020For an immersive journey into the world of the smallest penguin in the world, there is nothing quite like a day spent learning from our specialist keepers. What does it take to look after the world’s smallest penguin? -
IAC Experience Antarctica Holiday Program - 28 September - 9 October 2020Need a unique school holiday programme in Christchurch that will provide life-long memories? Why not send them to Antarctica? Adventure, fun, excitement and enlightenment – it’s all waiting for them! -
International Antarctic Centre Husky Mushers - 28 September - 9 October 2020It’s time to experience the super-cool world of the husky, spending a day with a Husky Musher and several of these intelligent and beautiful dogs. -
Antarctica Photo Exhibit and Charity Auction - 7 - 18 October 2020Photo exhibit from long-time Antarctic photographer and filmmaker Anthony Powell, with prints sold via silent charity auction as a fund raiser for the Antarctic Heritage Trust. -
Kōrero on Ice - 8 October 2020Kōrero on Ice is an interactive and informal panel discussion where six panellists with unique expertise in varying fields of work will come together to share their kōrero about their mahi, research and/or experiences. -
This Book Belongs to Commander F. A. Worsley - 8 - 18 October 2020Launching on the 8th October, Akaroa Museum Te Whare Taonga presents an on-line exhibition of drawings by Antarctic hero Frank Worsley (1872-1943). -
Antarctic Quiz - 8 October 2020The Antarctic Quiz Night presented jointly by the University of Canterbury Gateway Antarctica Centre and the International Antarctic Centre is an opportunity to take part in a family friendly quiz. -
The Frozen Wild Photography Exhibition - 8 - 18 October 2020This exhibition features images taken by two members of Antarctic Heritage Trust’s fourth Inspiring Explorers’ Expedition™ to the Antarctic Peninsula in March 2019. -
Antarctic Gateway Photo Exhibition - 8 October - 1 November 2020'Antarctic Gateway Photo Exhibition' showcases stunning photographs of Antarctica taken by Gateway Antarctica researchers and their collaborators at University of Canterbury. -
Photography in Antarctica - 10 October 2020Antarctica photography talk by Anthony Powell. Anthony has been regularly working in Antarctica since 1998, and has wintered over there 10 times. Enjoy his informative talk.
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Icy Experiments with Antarctic Researchers - 10 October 2020Want to learn more about Antarctica through fun, thrilling activities? Join our inspiring Antarctic researchers at Explore Antarctica Family Day. -
Christchurch City Antarctic Walk - 11 October 2020Our Antarctic gateway city boasts several Antarctic related points of interest. Enjoy 3.6 km walk learning about Christchurch's Antarctic connections. -
Magnetic Observatory Open Day - 11 October 2020We have an Antarctic secret! Tucked away in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens is a building with ties to a magnificent history of adventure, exploration and heroism. Discover the Magnetic Observatory workshop. -
Cold Cases in Antarctic History - 12 October 2020Join Antarctic historian Ursula Rack for a talk about the darker side of Antarctic history, think less adventure and heroic sacrifice, more tales of clashing explorers, mutiny and collapsed winter stations. -
Student Film Awards Ceremony - 12 October 2020We have opened up a ataata film competition for school-aged tauira students in years 1 to 13 to show us a video portrayal of Antarctica from a new perspective. -
Inspiring Explorers Evening - 13 October 2020Hear from Antarctic Heritage Trust’s Inspiring Explorers about their latest expedition to Antarctica. -
Extreme Film Making for Science in Antarctica - 13 October 2020Filmmaker and photographer Anthony Powell will talk about his experiences filming in Antarctica over the last 20 years including 10 winters, the types of equipment he uses to capture images of the frozen continent. -
Immersive Antarctica: Visit the Ice in VR - 13 October 2020If you've ever wanted to visit Antarctica, but haven't (yet) found a way to get there, this is the next best thing. -
The Hunt for the Endurance - 14 October 2020Join the expedition’s Kiwi drone pilot Paul Bealing as he tells the story of its ambitious plan to locate one of the world’s most famous shipwrecks. -
For the Beauty of the Earth - 14 October 2020The Christchurch Transitional Cathedral in collaboration with Theology House is hosting a seminar, panel discussion and Q&A on the topic of climate change with an Antarctic focus. -
Gateway Antarctica Takes Over of IAC - 16 - 17 October 2020Gateway Antarctica (University of Canterbury's Center for Antarctic Research and Study) will bring the International Antarctic Center to life with staff and postgraduate students showcasing their world leading research. -
Lyttelton Antarctic Heritage Walk - 17 October 2020There are several Antarctic points of interest within the town and wharf area of Lyttelton. Explore the Antarctic connections on this informative walk. -
Antarctic Astronomy, Dr. Jenni Adams - 17 October 2020The New Zealand Antarctic Society is delighted to host Dr. Jenni Adams' presentation on Antarctic Astronomy. -
Book Launch for Max Quinn - 17 October 2020A Days of Ice event - Book Launch for Max Quinn - The Life and Times of a Polar Filmmaker. Listen to Max Quinn speak about his 50-year career as a polar filmmaker. -
South to Antarctica - 18 October 2020A Church Service as part of the "Days of Ice" Festival to ask God's Blessing on those heading south for the 2020/21 Summer season. -
Open Day at Scott's Cabin at Godley Head - 18 October 2020Enjoy a short walk to visit a bit of Antarctic and Christchurch history in a dramatic setting. -
Wreath Laying at Scott Statue - 18 October 2020The Scott statue makes an appropriate venue for the recognition and commemoration of Antarctic contributions past and present.
