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Antarctica

A continent of extremes

Antarctica Neko Harbour

Wild, remote and utterly breathtaking

Antarctica is a continent of extremes. It’s at once beautifully tranquil and savagely fierce. It’s a land of pristine whiteness, where gigantic icebergs carved by the elements pierce the sky from the ocean. Incredible shades of blue pass by on floating ice chunks, while the roar of glaciers echoes between mountain walls. The coastal shores and sub-Antarctic islands are home to hundreds of bustling penguin rookeries, seal colonies and nesting seabirds.

Perhaps the world’s last true frontier, Antarctica is simply awe-inspiring. Much like in the days of early exploration, it’s weather and ice, not clocks and calendars, that will set the schedule here.

Antarctica is so wildly remote that travelling by ship is the only way to visit. Cruises and expedition vessels depart from Argentina and New Zealand, generally between November and March. In these months, the sunlight is long, the sea ice melts enough for ships to pass and temperatures nudge over freezing.

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Flight time

Reaching the Great White Continent from New Zealand is a true odyssey. Most travellers take a long-haul flight to Ushuaia, Argentina, to board an expedition ship for a two-day crossing of the Drake Passage. However, if you're looking for an epic voyage departing closer to home, specialist expedition cruises leave directly from Bluff or Hobart. These are deep-south adventures that can last up to 30 days, navigating through the sub-Antarctic islands before finally reaching the Ross Sea.

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Best time to go

The best times to visit Antarctica are during the austral summer (November to March). This is when temperatures are milder, sea ice retreats, and wildlife activity is at its peak, allowing expedition access.

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Time difference

Antarctica, surprisingly, is in the same time zone as New Zealand, meaning no adjustment is needed. How good!

TIPS FOR YOUR ANTARCTICA ADVENTURE.

 

  1. GET GROUNDED.
    Smaller expedition-style ships are often more expensive and include fewer amenities than larger cruise ships, but they offer passengers the opportunity to disembark and enjoy excursions like tramping and snowshoeing. Because of restrictions limiting tourist numbers in Antarctica, large ships may only offer scenic cruising and not land experiences. Make sure to talk to your consultant about this distinction.

  2. WILD WATERS.
    The Drake Passage — the waters between South America and Antarctica — and the Southern Ocean are notoriously rough but Antarctica is worth it! Ask your doctor about seasickness drugs, bands and patches and arrive prepared. Ships these days have excellent stabilisers, so you’ll be as comfortable as possible.

  3. DAZZLING DEPARTURES.
    Cruises from New Zealand are much more expensive and longer than cruises from South America — simply because they must cover more ocean to arrive. Depending on your departure point, you’ll visit different spots in Antarctica.

  4. ALL ABOUT THE WEATHER.
    Antarctica cruise itineraries are hopeful suggestions. Ship captains make amends en route based on weather and ice conditions so passengers have the best chances of landing onshore.

  5. SUITCASE SAVVY
    Packing for an Antarctic cruise can be easy. Ask your consultant what your cruise line lends and gives passengers: You’ll find most give guests excellent quality jackets to keep and lend out cosy boots for landings. Even if you own the gear, it can be nice to pack lighter.

Our Antarctic specialists

Charlotte Chalman

Charlotte Chalman

House of Travel Invercargill

Travel -it broadens our views, creates lasting memories and allows you to take a break from your ordinary. 

During my career, I have hit some ultimate highs- being the only New Zealand finalist in the prestigious Avis Travel Scholarship in 2019, winning the CLIA Rising Star award in 2020, being a finalist for the House of Travel Rookie of the Year in 2020 (not awarded to anyone due to COVID), multiple internal sales awards and of course getting to see some amazing countries through travel adventures. 

In recent years, I have taken to much more off the beaten track travel, exploring Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and China and a epic three-week safari through Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. 

Although I did sneak in a wee three-week coach trip in Europe as well-we all need some creature comforts! 

I have loved travelling with my family and seeing my teenage girls' minds blown by the experiences they have in different countries- different ways of living, different foods, different cultures, amazing sites (and sights!) and really seeing what is important to other people outside of NZ. 

I now work from home but venture into the office regularly to see clients (by appointment only). I do love a good face to face catch up!

I would love to hear what adventures you have planned, whether close to home or somewhere in the weird and wonderful, and love helping pull things together to give you your Best Holiday Ever. Give me a call or send me an email to get started on your journey. I look forward to meeting you! 

Charlotte

Charlotte Campbell

Charlotte Campbell

House of Travel Papamoa

Travel has been an integral part of my life for over 20 years, and I can't imagine pursuing anything else.  This year, I proudly celebrate my 17th year with House of Travel Papamoa, where I truly love being a 'hottie.' Our store boasts a fantastic team culture that makes coming to work a joyful experience every day.

I find immense satisfaction in crafting bespoke itineraries that transform my clients' dreams into reality.  While the USA remains my favourite destination, my travels have also taken me through the stunning landscapes of New Zealand, the enchanting South Pacific, vibrant Australia, diverse Europe, and picturesque Canada and Alaska. This year (2024), I had the incredible opportunity to experience the magic of South Africa, where witnessing wildlife in their natural habitat is nothing short of breath-taking. Being on safari brings you so close to majestic animals, just meters away, creating unforgettable memories. 

Remember, your holiday begins the moment you step through our door. I invite you to share your vision of the perfect getaway—how it looks and feels, any research you've conducted, and your essential must-haves. The more we delve into your aspirations together, the more extraordinary your holiday will be!


Charlotte

Leanne Newton

Leanne Newton

House of Travel Upper Riccarton

Experiencing travel through the eyes of my daughter, has given me a whole new perspective and thirst for travel. 

It enables me to slow my pace, look around and just enjoy being in the moment as she interacts with local people. 

It brings back that feeling I had when I first travelled overseas, and I feel so grateful to be able to experience something so meaningful and life changing with my daughter.


Leanne
Kelly-Ann Thomas

Kelly-Ann Thomas

House of Travel Lower Hutt

Travel ignites the fire in my belly, daily and I'm lucky enough to turn holiday dreams into unforgettable experiences. 

I specialise in family travel, group getaways, solo adventures, and special interest trips, helping clients craft memories that last a lifetime. 

A recent highlight was travelling to New York with my sister, followed by Japan, and a Christmas in Bali with my family. 

Whether I'm working with long-time clients or meeting new faces each week, I'm always excited to bring personalised travel dreams to life. 

Passionate about what I do, I'm always ready for the next adventure - both for my clients and my own family. 

Kelly-Ann 

Our fave customer holiday pics in Antarctica

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