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Antarctica, New ZealandAntarctica Scenic Highlights

Antarctica | Regional Information | Activity Highlights | Scenic Highlights | History

Antarctica is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful places on Earth. From glacier clad peaks to the abundant wildlife, you will be kept in a constant state of awe.

Antarctica Scenic Highlights Overview

Antarctica is the complete dream destination for photographer's and naturalists alike. Landscape features such as awesome mountain ranges, tussock ringed beaches, massive sweeping glaciers, beautiful fiords and deep blue ocean waters overwhelm the senses.

Crowds of penguins, seals and native birds make Antarctica one of the most unique wildlife experiences in the world.

Image Source: Heritage Expeditions. Spirit of Enderby, Antarctica
Spirit of Enderby
Photographer: Heritage Expeditions
(www.heritage-expeditions.com)

The Lemaire Channel

The Lemaire Channel is visually one of the most stunning scenes on the Antarctic Peninsula. With the peninsula on one side and Booth Island on the other you are surrounded by enormous near virtical cliff faces dropping all the way down to sea level.

Although the Lemaire Channel is used as a passage between Booth Island and the Antarctic Peninsula it can sometime be totally blocked by icebergs causing vessels to retreat and take the long way round Booth Island.

The southern end of the channel opens out to an archipelago of ice-covered islands. These picturesque islands are often a landing point for parties touring the area.

Hope Bay

Located in the Antarctic Sound, Hope Bay, also known as "Iceberg Alley", provides an opportunity to see the fascinating structures of many extraordinary icebergs.

The Argentinean Esperanza base is situated here and it was at this base that the first child born in Antarctica was delivered. The base also hosts a post office and school.

Image Source: U.S. National Science Foundation. July View, Palmer Station, Anvers Island, Antarctica
July View, Palmer Station,
Anvers Island, Antarctica
Photographer: Zee Evans
U.S. National Science Foundation

Cape Hallett

Cape Hallett, near the head of the Ross Sea, is over-looked by the enormous Admiralty Range. Scenery here is wild and spectacular.

Mountains rise up over 4,00 metres from the sea. Massive glaciers course their way down from the interior to the sea. The area is home to large numbers of weddell seals and adelie penguins.

Deception Island

Deception Isalnd is actually an active volcano in the South Shetland Islands, just off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Its unique landscape consists of barren slopes of volcanic rock, beaches and ash-layered glaciers.

The island has a distinctive horse-shoe shape with a large caldera which is completely flooded. This opens to the sea through a narrow channel at Neptunes Bellows, forming a sheltered, natural harbour. It is one of the few places on Earth where vessels can sail from the sea into the centre of an active volcano.

Antarctica Region Information

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Mainstay New Zealand Hotels

Mainstay NZ Hotels

Large collection of independent hotels.

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Choice Hotels

Holiday packages for any occasion.

Hawkdun Rise

Hawkdun Rise

Boutique vineyard-stay near the town of Alexandra.

Featured
 
Mainstay New Zealand Hotels

Mainstay NZ Hotels

Large collection of independent hotels.

Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels

Holiday packages for any occasion.

Hawkdun Rise

Hawkdun Rise

Boutique vineyard-stay near the town of Alexandra.