Experience Antarctica in Ōtautahi Christchurch

During your stay, we encourage you to experience the vibrant culture and diverse offerings of Christchurch city.

On this page:

Gateway to Antarctica

Welcome to Christchurch

Christchurch welcomes members of the Antarctic science and logistics community.

Christchurch is a hub for those on the way or returning from Antarctica. Having you here enriches our city and we can't wait to show you around. 

This place has welcoming people and new experiences to discover.

See what attractions, activities and dining options might suit you to make your stay a memorable one. 

Deals

National Antarctic Program deals

OGB Platter
CAN Network
O.G.B Bar & Restaurant
10% off total food & beverage bill for National Antarctic Program Members

With the most amazing team, live music every weekend and carefully curated food & drinks, you must try this little slice of paradise in the square.

T&Cs apply

T&C's apply. This offer is exclusively available for members of the National Antarctic Program. Please advise the staff which National Antarctic Program you're affiliated with to redeem this deal. Offer valid from May 30, 2025, to May 30, 2026. Cannot be combined with any other offers.

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The Loft Bar Christchurch
CAN Network
The Loft Bar | Christchurch's premiere sports bar
10% off total food & beverage bill for National Antarctic Program Members

The Loft Bar is a vibrant, elevated sports bar that blends the excitement of live games with a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere. It’s a place where guests can drink, dine, dance, and celebrate their favourite sports in a fun, inclusive environment that balances energy with respect for the game.

T&Cs apply

T&Cs apply. Offer valid for National Antarctic Program Members only. All participants must present valid personal identification (passport, driver’s licence, or national identity card) upon request. Identification must clearly show the individual’s full name and date of birth. Please advise the staff which National Antarctic Program you’re affiliated with to redeem this deal. Deal valid from 30 April 2025 – 30 April 2026. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers.

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CAN Network Kaiser Brew Garden
CAN Network
Kaiser Brew Garden
10% off total food & beverage bill for National Antarctic Program Members

Kaiser Brew Garden is a working micro-brewery in the heart of Christchurch- upstairs at Riverside Market. Come and enjoy our Bavarian inspired hospitality.

T&Cs apply

T&C's apply. Offer valid for National Antarctic Program Members only. All participants must present valid personal identification (passport, driver’s licence, or national identity card) upon request. Identification must clearly show the individual’s full name and date of birth. Please advise the staff which National Antarctic Program you're affiliated with to redeem this deal. Deal valid from 30 April 2025 - 30 April 2026. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers.

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CAN Network 18th hole and clubhouse
CAN Network
Russley Golf Club
Green fee discount – special offer of $85 (normally $110) For National Antarctic Program Members

Play golf or work from the café , enjoy special packages from a flexi membership of 15 games for $1161, providing full members access to the club and discounts at the café and pro shop. Venue Hire is also available from $200/room, including 4 options of room sizes.

T&Cs apply

T&C's apply. Offer valid for National Antarctic Program Members only. Please advise the staff which National Antarctic Program you're affiliated with to redeem this deal. Deal valid from 31 May 2025 – 31 May 2026. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers.

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CAN Network
The Church
10% off total food & beverage bill for National Antarctic Program Members

Set in one of Christchurch's last standing heritage buildings, The Church Pub is the cornerstone of Christchurch Hospitality. With live music at the forefront, wood-fired pizzas, a large open bar area, lush mezzanine floor and a beautiful sun-soaked courtyard, The Church has something for every age!

T&Cs apply

T&C's apply. This offer is exclusively available for members of the National Antarctic Program. Please advise the staff which National Antarctic Program you're affiliated with to redeem this deal. Offer valid from May 30, 2025, to May 30, 2026. Cannot be combined with any other offers.

View offer
Cooking in pizza oven at The Birdwood
CAN Network
The Birdwood
10% off total food & beverage bill for National Antarctic Program Members

Enjoy hand-stretched Italian wood-fired sourdough pizzas, handcrafted pasta, delicious breakfast dishes or baked treats, vegan salads and freshly roasted coffee.

T&Cs apply

T&C's apply. Offer valid for National Antarctic Program Members only. Please advise the staff which National Antarctic Program you're affiliated with to redeem this deal. Deal valid from 30 April 2025 - 30 April 2026. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers.

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Deals

CAN Network Russley Golf Club
CAN Network
Russley Golf Club Cart Hire
Cart hire discount – special offer of $45 (normally $59) for National Antarctic Program Members

Carts available at special rates to make your Russley Experience even more enjoyable.

T&Cs apply

T&C's apply. Offer valid for National Antarctic Program Members only. Please advise the staff which National Antarctic Program you're affiliated with to redeem this deal. Deal valid from 31 May 2025 – 31 May 2026. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers.

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CAN Network Kayaking
CAN Network
The Backpacker Group
Save 20% on your annual membership for National Antarctic Program Members

The Backpacker Group is the largest New Zealand collective of hostels and activities nationwide offering deals to members. Sign up today and start saving on major experiences like Kaikoura Whale Watch, AJ Hackett Bungy, Redwood Tree Walks, Christchurch and Kaikoura Ziplines and heaps more! You can hire a car for an outing or jump on the Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries to spend time in Wellington. Follow us on social media to view all the epic experiences you can have while visiting our beautiful country.

T&Cs apply

T&C's apply. Offer valid for National Antarctic Program Members only. Email belinda@thebackpackergroup.co.nz to receive your 20% membership discount code. Deal valid from 30 June 2025 - 30 June 2026. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers.

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CAN Network Punting
CAN Network
Christchurch Attractions
10% off Christchurch Attractions activities for National Antarctic Program Members

Explore the best of Christchurch with Christchurch Attractions! Receive a 10% discount off entry to the city’s iconic Tram, Gondola, Punting on the Avon and Botanic Gardens Tour experiences using the promo code ANTARCTICA – valid for single-entry and combo ticket options.

T&Cs apply

T&C's apply. This offer is exclusively available for members of the National Antarctic Program. Redeem at christchurchattractions.nz using the promo code ANTARCTICA. Please advise the staff which National Antarctic Program you're affiliated with to redeem this deal. Offer valid from 1 July 2025 – 31 March 2026. Not valid for Tramway Restaurant or Annual Pass purchases and cannot be combined with any other offers.

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Akaroa stargazing guests looking at the Aurora
CAN Network
Akaroa Stargazing
10% off on all tours for National Antarctic Program Members

Akaroa Stargazing is a family-owned and operated business, offering the closest dark sky experiences to Christchurch—only 90 minutes from the airport. National Antarctic Program members can enjoy 10% off any of our tours, including our best-seller Night Awe and the popular daytime tour Solar Explorer. Please use the promo code ANTARCTICA10 at checkout. Please note that for the French crew, we can offer our tours in French, subject to the availability of our French guide. Similarly, for the Italian crew, we can offer our tours in Italian, subject to Luca's availability.

T&Cs apply

T&Cs apply. This offer is exclusively available for members of the National Antarctic Program. Please advise the staff which National Antarctic Program you’re affiliated with to redeem this deal. Cannot be combined with any other offers. This offer is ongoing.

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Driving range balls
CAN Network
Russley Golf Club
Range ball hire discount - special offer of $10 (normally $20) for National Antarctic Program Members

Offering a full-sized practice area that allows you to play full shots from irons to woods. There is also a putting and chipping area with bunkers nearby.

T&Cs apply

T&C's apply. Offer valid for National Antarctic Program Members only. Please advise the staff which National Antarctic Program you're affiliated with to redeem this deal. Deal valid from 31 May 2025 – 31 May 2026. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers.

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The Cove Wellness
CAN Network
The Cove Wellness
20% off our 'All In' one-week trial - now just $31.20

A space designed to help you TRAIN, BREATHE & RECOVER. Located at 86 Moorhouse Avenue, this wellness studio brings together strength and conditioning, yoga, breathwork, mat Pilates, and recovery therapies including ice baths, sauna, compression boots, and more. Enjoy an atmosphere that energises your body, calms your mind, and builds a supportive community where people grow stronger together.

Use code: ANTARCTIC
T&Cs apply

T&C's apply. This offer is exclusively available for members of the National Antarctic Program. Use the code: ANTARCTIC to redeem the offer. Offer valid until 30 April 2026. Cannot be combined with any other offers.

View offer

Deals

The Crossing

Right in the heart of Christchurch, The Crossing brings together fashion, food, health, beauty, and lifestyle all in one place. Explore our range of stores and eateries during your time in the city. Check out the deals below.

CAN Network
Bar Franco
10% off total food & beverage bill for National Antarctic Program Members

Experience the warm embrace of Mediterranean hospitality at Bar Franco, where exceptional cuisine and memorable interactions come together in a welcoming atmosphere. Indulge in our diverse menu inspired by Mediterranean flavours.

T&Cs apply

T&C's apply. This offer is exclusively available for members of the National Antarctic Program. Please advise the staff which National Antarctic Program you're affiliated with to redeem this deal. Offer valid from May 30, 2025, to May 30, 2026. Cannot be combined with any other offers.

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Crêpes De La Monde
CAN Network
Crêpes De La Monde
20% off your total bill for National Antarctic Members

Enjoy a sweet or savoury crêpe made fresh to order at Crêpes De La Monde. It’s the perfect spot for a quick bite or relaxed meal in the heart of Christchurch during your visit.

T&Cs apply

T&Cs apply. This offer is exclusively available for members of the National Antarctic Program. Please advise the staff which National Antarctic Program you're affiliated with to redeem this deal. Offer valid from May 30, 2025 to May 30, 2026. Cannot be combined with any other offers.

View offer
Twiggi at The Crossing
CAN Network
Twiggi Hair
10% off all services for National Antarctic Members

Get expedition-ready or unwind after your trip at Twiggi Hair. Treat yourself to a fresh cut, style, or colour and step into your journey looking and feeling your best.

T&Cs apply

T&Cs apply. This offer is exclusively available for members of the National Antarctic Program. Please advise the staff which National Antarctic Program you're affiliated with to redeem this deal. Offer valid from May 30, 2025 to May 30, 2026. Cannot be combined with any other offers.

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Colony
CAN Network
Colony
10% off everything in store for National Antarctic Program Members

Authentic New Zealand mead, liqueurs, natural skincare and gifts since 1868. Enjoy an in-store mead tasting and the story behind these iconic products.

T&Cs apply

T&C's apply. This offer is exclusively available for members of the National Antarctic Program. Please advise the staff which National Antarctic Program you're affiliated with to redeem this deal. Offer valid from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026. Cannot be combined with any other offers.

View offer
Profession Nail at The Crossing
CAN Network
ProfessioNAIL
10% off manicures and pedicures for National Antarctic Members

Take a moment to relax with a professional manicure or pedicure at ProfessioNAIL. Their team will leave your hands and feet perfectly polished so you can feel refreshed and ready for anything.

T&Cs apply

T&Cs apply. This offer is exclusively available for members of the National Antarctic Program. Please advise the staff which National Antarctic Program you're affiliated with to redeem this deal. Offer valid from May 30, 2025 to May 30, 2026. Cannot be combined with any other offers.

View offer
CAN Network IHF Health Club
CAN Network
IHF Health Club
$29 day pass for National Antarctic Program Members

IHF Health Club offers a welcoming space focused on providing a daily dose of Your Everyday Luxury intertwined with promoting a healthy body and mind. With an IHF Day pass you can experience all our facilities and immerse yourself in an overall well-being-focused environment. From our fitness-focused spaces to our recovery areas and everything in between, IHF Health Club is the place to escape the cold and embrace the warmth!

T&Cs apply

T&Cs: This offer is exclusively available for members of the National Antarctic Program. Please advise the staff which National Antarctic Program you're affiliated with to redeem this deal. Offer valid from August 31, 2025 to 30 April 2026. Cannot be combined with any other offers.

View offer

Activities and attractions

Discover the best activities and attractions around Christchurch as well as what's happening around the city during your stay.

Ziplining at the Chistchurch Adventure Park with the city in the background.

What's on

Christchurch is a city of good times, where people come together and have a little fun. We celebrate the arts, world-class sporting heroes, innovative business and diverse communities; the calendar is always full, and we wouldn't have it any other way.


What's on
Diners sitting at tables outside Riverside Market

Christchurch day itinerary

In Ōtautahi Christchurch, with a free day to fill as you please?

With a little planning, you can fit so much into just one day, and we’ve designed this itinerary to inspire you. Whether you are solo, in a couple or a group, these ideas cover something for everyone.

Christchurch day itinerary
Antarctic Audio Tour Antarctic Mural

Antarctic Gateway walking tour

Hear from scientists and artists, historians and curators, and discover the fascinating stories of Ōtautahi Christchurch's unique connections to the frozen continent.

Walk the tour
Patrons sitting in the lounge at The Welder

Eat & Drink

Discover great places to eat

Cosy cafés. Neighbourhood bars. Rooftop views. Romantic fine dining. With options to suit different tastes, we hope you find your flavour.



Explore eat & drink

Destinations

Our destinations

From stunning natural landscapes to adrenaline-pumping activities and relaxed eateries in the CBD, you'll find something special in Canterbury.



Explore the region
Couple enjoying the Sunrise Soak at He Puna Taimoana.

Things to do

Time & space for play

Christchurch is the gateway to the Canterbury region and home to spectacular experiences you will have within the South Island of New Zealand. Make some time to play and discover endless activities and attractions we have on offer.

Explore things to do

Antarctic related activities

Antarctic landmarks and attractions that celebrate Christchurch's connection to the frozen continent.


Antarctic Ridges Landscape

get in touch

How we can help

Our Gateway to Antarctica team is here to support, connect and develop opportunities for all International Antarctic Programs.

The Antarctic community is the core of our Gateway City status. We work closely with local organisations, businesses, scientists and other stakeholders.  We connect you with key Antarctic partners to help take care of your work on and off the ice.

Connect with the team
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