Navigation
Back

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.

Plane Stabiliser Icon

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.

Calendar Icon

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.

Watch Icon

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

Rachael Singh

Rachael Singh

House of Travel Morrinsville

My love for travel started with adventures shared with family and friends which taught me the importance and significance of creating meaningful memories.  

Over the years I've been lucky enough to explore vibrant cities, serene countryside along with some memorable sporting events and horse racing!

Whether you're planning a relaxing getaway, a sports adventure or a family holiday, I'm here to make your dream trip a reality.  With a keen eye for detail and a love for planning, I'll work with you to create a personalised itinerary that matches your interests, pace and budget.

Every adventure requires a first step...Lets make your next adventure unforgettable!


Rachael


Lisa Grunsell

Lisa Grunsell

House of Travel Tauranga: The Crossing

With over 30 years in the travel industry, I still get that same excitement when creating holidays for my clients.

My extensive travel knowledge, combined with personal experiences, allows me to transform your dreams into reality.

Travel has truly been life-changing for me, from the diverse cultures to the countless continents I’ve explored. I would love to share that joy with you.

I invite you to come and chat with me—I’m here to make booking your holiday as easy and stress-free as possible. 

Lisa

Shelley Rich

Shelley Rich

House of Travel Mount Maunganui

I have been a part of the travel industry for over 30 years and still love it!

I love to travel and I often joke with my clients that I live vicariously through them.

Planning the perfect holiday for my clients fills me with joy. I take pride in what I do and love sharing my passion of travel.

Many of my clients have become life long friends. 

Shelley

Jason McKay

Jason McKay

House of Travel Nelson

As the proud Owner Operator of House of Travel Nelson, I lead a small but passionate team dedicated to taking care of all your travel needs.

I primarily work on the Orbit World Travel side of our business, specialising in business and group travel. But as a traveller myself, I love chatting with customers and the team about their upcoming adventures — there’s nothing better than sharing in the excitement of a great trip!

Travel has played a huge role in my life. From years of family holidays to the Gold Coast and Fiji, where the kids spent hours in the pool or on the playground, to unforgettable highlights like Disneyland (they were 10 and 12 — the perfect age!), followed by a relaxing week in Mexico. These days, with older kids, we’re seeking more adventure. Our recent trip to Vietnam was a standout — from the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City to the peaceful beauty of Hoi An's lanterns and Halong Bay. If you haven’t been, it’s a must! 

Next on my list? Europe. While I’ve done a couple of quick trips in the past, I’m keen to take the time to explore the diverse cultures and rich history of the places I’ve spent years helping others discover.

Whether your trip is big or small, come in and see us at House of Travel Nelson — we’ll make sure it’s your best one yet.


Jason

Our fave customer holiday pics in Antarctica

Follow us!
Subscribe

Want the insider word on all things travel?

Sign up below and be the first to hear about out hottest holiday deals, flights steals, and essential travel hints and tips from out team of travel specialists.

Consultant Consultant Consultant

Experience all things Antarctica