Christchurch As A Logistics Hub
More than a geographic convenience, Ōtautahi Christchurch has the benefit of world-class infrastructure to support our Antarctic Programmes.
Over 100 flights depart from Christchurch International Airport to Antarctica every season, carrying 1400 tonnes of cargo and 2600 scientists and staff from National Antarctic Programmes from New Zealand, USA, Italy, South Korea, Germany and France. Aircraft of the NZ Defence Force and the National Science Foundation’s US Antarctic Programme (USAP) also depart the airport in the summer season from October to March.
Lyttelton Port’s historical connection to the Ross Sea goes back more than 100 years. The port is a key logistics hub for several National Antarctic Programmes connecting Antarctic explorer, researchers and scientists from around the world to icy continent.
