Ōtautahi Christchurch is one of only five official Antarctic Gateway Cities in the world – connecting us to science, climate research, and international collaboration of global consequence.
Gateway to Antarctica
Christchurch - a gateway city
For more than 70 years, Christchurch has played a key role in global Antarctic collaboration. We've built up world-leading infrastructure – at our airport and port – alongside expertise, education and a reputation for delivering Antarctic logistics and science better than anywhere else.
Our city helps lead international efforts to tackle climate change. Our schools, universities, and businesses benefit from that presence – and thousands of jobs exist here because of it. This is world-changing work – and Otautahi Christchurch is helping drive it.
Being a Gateway City is something that makes Christchurch unique on the world stage. It’s something to get behind – the same way we rally behind our sports teams and celebrate our creative industries.
It’s part of our story.
The economic impact of being a Gateway City
Christchurch’s Antarctic connection isn’t just about exploration – it powers jobs, supports local businesses, and fuels a unique ecosystem of innovation.
$158.3 mill
In direct revenue to the ecosystem
$328.8 mill
In total economic contribution to the region
3,276
Jobs in Canterbury - more than half of all Antarctic jobs in New Zealand each Antarctic season (late October to late March)
5,500+
People passing through Christchurch
How does Christchurch support Antarctic science?
Through Christchurch, the world is uncovering answers to some of its biggest climate questions – from sea-level rise to extreme weather (and even the possibility of life beyond Earth).
Examples of the research Christchurch supports:
At the Ross Ice Shelf, the international SWAIS2C mission drills deep into 600 metres of ice to understand historical climate shifts – offering insights into future sea-level changes.
Microbiologists studying hardy microbes thriving under volcanic extremes on Mt Erebus – unlocking clues about life in the most hostile places, possibly even on other planets.
NASA balloon launches, scientific missions, and logistics to Antarctica – all start their journey to the ice from Christchurch.
Antarctica helps us understand climate change
SWAIS2C stands for Sensitivity of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet to 2°C. It’s one of the most ambitious research projects in Antarctica – the project involves drilling deep beneath the Antarctic seafloor. The goal? To uncover how the Antarctic ice sheet responded to past climate changes, and what that could mean for our planet’s future.
At two remote sites on the Ross Ice Shelf, scientists are drilling through up to 600 metres of ice to extract ancient sediment layers. These layers act like a time capsule, helping researchers predict how quickly sea levels could rise if global temperatures climb to 1.5–2°C – the threshold set by the Paris Agreement.
The team includes scientists and engineers from around the world. Together, they’re using cutting-edge technology to answer a critical question: Did the Ross Ice Shelf and West Antarctic Ice Sheet collapse during past warm periods – and could it happen again?
Businesses supporting Antarctic operations
Over 100 local businesses support Antarctic operations - from engineering firms and software developers to freight companies and hospitality providers. This connected ecosytem stretches across:
Christchurch has been the final port of call for some amazing polar explorers throughout history.
Discover the stories of our pioneers including Frank Worsley, the Kiwi captain who saved the day and Dr. Margaret Bradshaw, one of the first female Antarctic geologists.
Hear the stories from our contemporary champions including Vanessa Wells filmmaker and storyteller and Professor Matthew Stott who studies microbes living in some of the toughest conditions on earth.
Which international programs operate from Christchurch?
We have long-standing partnerships with the United States, Italy and South Korea, who all base their Antarctic missions here – along with a growing number of national programs from around the world. Together, we support year-round science on the Ross Ice Shelf and across the Southern Continent.
Antarctic programs based in Christchurch, include:
United States Antarctic Program
Italian National Antarctic Research Program
Korean Polar Research Institute
New Zealand’s Antarctic Science Platform & Antarctica NZ
Other seasonal or mission-based programs
These programs use Christchurch as their link to the Ross Ice Shelf and the wider Antarctic continent. Our city offers the infrastructure, services and expertise required for complex logistics – and the trust earned through decades of collaboration.
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.
