Embark on a journey through Antarctica without leaving Christchurch. Visit one of New Zealand's best tourist attractions, the International Antarctic Center. Visitors of all ages will enjoy an interactive, fun and exciting experience of Antarctica. Experience snow and ice, an Antarctic storm, take the polar plunge ice water challenge, learn about life in modern modern-day Antarctica and Scott Base, and hang out with Little Blue Penguins. Try the famously exciting Hagglund ride and an awesome simulated 4D cruise Ice Voyage. The entry ticket is the closest way to experience Antarctica, without mounting your own expedition. You can also enjoy a personalized commentary on your journey to Antarctica with an audio guide tour available in English, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Thai, German, French, and Spanish.

Delight in a Big Bang of awe and inspiration at the Dark Sky Experience, where science, tatai aroraki (Maori astronomy), and fascinating multimedia installations are brought together for a sensual treat. Change your outlook on the universe in the best way possible on this 45-minute guided tour. Enjoy your guide's thought-provoking, educational, and entertaining commentary at this truly unique place. During your tour, get up close to the newly-restored Brashear telescope, one of the world's most famous Victorian telescopes. A must-do for all visitors to Lake Tekapo, this immersive daytime experience is a place for people to connect, to discover, and to be inspired, with the aim of empowering others to make a difference to dark sky preservation.

The day begins with departure from Christchurch, heading through New Zealand's second-longest road tunnel until you arrive in Lyttelton. Enjoy some free time here to explore the historic port town, which is steeped in Antarctic exploration history. Leave Lyttelton via the exceedingly steep and narrow side streets, stopping briefly at the historic Timeball Station and the lookout on Evens Pass. Follow Evens Pass over the Port Hills and down onto Sumner Beach, where your guide lays out a refreshing morning tea. A short drive from Sumner Village brings you to Taylors Mistake Beach. From here, set out on the walking tour of Godley Head, which follows a well-formed loop track of approximately 8 km (3-hours). From Taylors Mistake Beach, the coastal track climbs a small hill before traversing above scenic cliffs. Descend onto a small rocky section of the coast, home to the rare White Flippered Penguin (only found in 2 places New Zealand). The visit to the penguin colony is optional. Once you’ve worked up a bit of an appetite, lunch is provided at Boulder Bay or at Godley Head. After lunch, spend some more free time discovering the remnants of the WW2 defenses. The location offers excellent photographic opportunities with uninterrupted views of Lyttelton Harbor, Banks Peninsula, and Christchurch City. On the return journey back to Taylors Mistake Beach, your guide explains the use of the military outpost at Godley Head and New Zealand's involvement in WW2. Finally, the drive back from Taylors Mistake to Christchurch passes through Sumner Village and along the estuary before reaching the inner city block where you will be dropped back at your hotel or the city center.