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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Bridget Hanrahan

Bridget Hanrahan

House of Travel Prestons

Bridget has an amazing collection of knowledge from 21 years creating wonderful itineraries for all her clients. She takes the role of research very seriously from finding the finest cocktail to ensuring everyone has the best activity tips!

Her knowledge in cruising, as well as other adventure and family travel combined with her easy approachable manner takes the pain out of planning your trip of a lifetime. 

"Designing unique travel experiences is my passion. My attention to detail and always looking for exclusive options ensures that all client's experiences are seamless right from the initial enquiry". 

When Bridget is not pouring over brochures for inspiration, you can find her having a game of tennis, finding the next best HOT Chocolate, or spending time with her family. 

Years in the industry: 21+ 
No. of countries visited: 26
Favourite place to visit: Africa

"Travel is the healthiest addiction" - Anonymous


Why I love travel: 

For me life is about experiences, not things! I love exploring new places, cultures, environments. I see travel for me as an addiction - I just can't stay away and helping people is so rewarding. 


My travel tips: 

  • Travel as soon as you can, don't delay as life is too short. 
  • If you want an adventure head to Antarctica or the Arctic before anywhere else. 
  • Always carry a change of clothes, any valuables and medication in your carry-on luggage. The House of Travel online brochures are a great source of information when planning your journey then we can finetune your holiday for you. 


My top 5 destinations: 

  • Africa- Serengeti plains!!! Perfect place to go to create family memories with our young adult kids! Adventure to encounter wildlife and camping in the Serengeti!
  • Dubai- the mix of culture, sights, architecture, markets, desert and the malls - even though shopping is not my thing. 
  • Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska - I was incredibly fortunate to have a family holiday in Canada, Alaska, Las Vegas and California and I'll never forget rafting on the Nenana River, rounding a bend to see a moose and her two calves taking a drink …. we all forgot to keep paddling; it was an incredible sight!
  • Rome - the history and the chaos of a bustling city it offers so much culture with a cool vibe. 
  • Thailand - I lived near Chiang Mai as an exchange student many years ago and have been back to the country three times. It is great for families, couples, singles with so much to see and do. 


What's in my suitcase?

  • Happiness - I'm always in my happy place as soon as I travel.
  • Active wear - Our holidays always include adventure and plenty of travel. 
  • A copy of my passport and insurance policy number and phone number, in case I lose my carryon bag and phone. 

Bridget



Rhonda Bignell

Rhonda Bignell

House of Travel Ferrymead

Travel is a passion for me, I have been in travel for quite some time (too long to remember) from Corporate to Leisure. 

I aim to help people no matter what their plans are to create the best holiday experience possible. I enjoy being part of our travellers experience and making the whole process as easy as possible & to create fantastic memories that are special and will last a lifetime for themselves and their families.

I have travelled to some amazing places, but one stands out, the 6 months I spent working on Antarctica at McMurdo Station is a highlight & backpacking through India was a challenge.

From visiting the many aspects of Australia, Asia, South Africa & South America to basking in the sun on the Maldives or hitting the beaches and shopping in Thailand I would love to help you create some new stories & memories. I love active holidays and have followed the Moto GP / Formula 1 and the Isle of Man TT was particularly exciting. Followed by walking up on Mt Kinabalu was another eventful trip.

However, every great adventure starts with a plan, and I would be honoured to help you with that plan, whether you take the road less travelled or one of the many roads that lead to Rome.

I look forward to helping you to create more wonderful stories and memories in the coming years.

Rhonda

Angela Taverner

Angela Taverner

House of Travel Hamilton City

With over 40 years of travel experience, including 30 years living and working in the USA, I’ve developed a deep passion for showcasing the beauty and diversity of the United States. But my love of travel goes far beyond that. Travel is not just a career for me—it's a lifelong journey that has shaped my understanding of the world and its many cultures.

I thrive on helping my clients discover unique, off-the-beaten-path destinations, and I have a special fondness for authentic, remote locations that offer a genuine connection to the culture and landscape.

My adventures have taken me to the vast sands of Morocco and Egypt, where I’ve explored ancient ruins and vibrant markets. I’ve trekked the Inca Trail in Peru and hiked to Everest Base Camp in Nepal, experiencing firsthand the stunning landscapes and welcoming communities. 

Whether it’s trekking through the mountains of Nepal or uncovering hidden gems in Peru, I love guiding travellers to places that offer more than just sightseeing—they offer a chance to truly connect with the world.

I find great joy in helping my clients turn their dream holidays into reality, whether they’re after iconic landmarks or remote locations that are rich in culture and adventure.

Through my work as a travel agent, I create experiences that go beyond the ordinary, helping travellers discover not only new places but new perspectives.

Let me help you craft a journey that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.


Angela 

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


Our fave customer holiday pics in Antarctica

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