Not as far off the beaten track as the name might suggest, this huge complex is located (sans ice) near the airport. Visitors can experience Antarctic-type stuff such as being very cold (the 'Snow and Ice Experience', lets you explore a sub-zero snow cave and slide down a tunnel swept by freezing winds) and rides on a Hägglund Snowmobile.

Christchurch has been the base for the USA's Antarctic programs since the 1950s, and this is also where the New Zealand and Italian operations are administered. It's all very well presented and hands-on, with the added bonus that many of the staff have lived and worked on the great southern continent.

Cathedral Square is at Christchurch's heart and the best place to start exploring the city. The Cathedral, built in Gothic Revival style and symbolising the Church of England bedrock of this city, dominates Cathedral square in Christchurch's heart. You can climb the cathedral spire for a small fee and get a great view of the city.

In the centre of the square is the 18m-high Metal Chalice sculpture, created by Neil Dawson to acknowledge the new millennium.

Set in an eye-catching metal-and-glass collage built in 2003, the city's Art Gallery has an engrossing permanent collection divided into historical, 20th-century and contemporary galleries, plus temporary exhibitions featuring NZ artists. Stop in at the café-wine bar on-site, and browse the high-quality gift shop.