Penguins for Breeta - Antarctic Center

Hello friends of snow,

Today I'm telling you about my day at the Antartic Center in New Zealand. Some preliminary information: Many of the Antarctic expeditions start from New Zealand (this is simply due to its proximity to the white continent). For this reason, a large information center was built in Christchurch to provide information about the expeditions and in which much of the equipment for these adventures is also on display. The center's special features include a cold chamber where a real polar storm can be recreated, a penguin rescue center and a ride on the expedition vehicles used on the southernmost point on earth.

And our tour in the center started precisely with the ride in one of these so-called Hägglunds (the name suggests it - a Swedish invention). I was allowed to sit in the front as a passenger and I have to say that it shakes me up more than I thought. At times I really had to hold on tight so that I could stay in my seat.

I had the idea that it would be a really cool thing if one of these cars could simply be converted into a caravan or a kind of habitable Hägglund. That would definitely be pretty cool since these wheeled marvels can also travel in water for a specific time and at a specific depth. So it's exactly the right thing if someone really wants to move around the area very self-sufficiently. Unfortunately, refueling is also a bit inconvenient and you're not really that fast with these vehicles. In addition, it feels like there is no longer an area that is so untouched that it would really make sense. It would still be cool - but I prefer Fridolin Christopher.

After the jerky ride we went inside the exhibition. A snowstorm later and a fast-paced performance in the 4D cinema later, we arrived in time for the penguin feeding in the afternoon.

The penguin station at the center only takes in injured and physically and mentally impaired penguins. In addition, only penguins of the Korora species - the little blue penguins - the smallest penguins in the world. The story of every single penguin in the station was also described and we probably spent an hour reading it and admiring what the little guys had already experienced.

After visiting the center, we went to Starbucks for a coffee and a few quiet minutes. I uploaded the photos from the last few weeks here and used the free WiFi. This time, to everyone's amusement, Starbucks pulled off a tour de force with my name: Breeta. Normally I always pretend to be Anna, but since it was actually Anna traveling with me this time, I tried using my real name again. Since then I've had a new nickname here and somehow it always makes me smile.

After these few experiences in Christchurch, I finally got my new van on March 28th, 2023 and spent the next 4 days sorting out, rearranging, cleaning, washing and repairing or having repaired a few little things. The track had to be readjusted, the fog lights replaced and a complete service done. My new companion was also baptized: Fridolin-Christopher. Fridolin even has a solar cell on the roof and a second car battery in the cabin that I can use to charge my laptop and my other electronic gadgets. So practical!

Plus, I can now get back on my way and explore and hike the South Island quickly, as long as the weather is good and it doesn't get too cold. I would like to make the most of the fall here as possible.

I went on my first real tour with Fridolin-Christopher the day before yesterday and continued exploring the Arthurs Pass National Park after my last visit unfortunately didn't end quite so positively.

But more on that in my next post!

Best regards from New Zealand,
Your Britta