Ferrymead Heritage Festival - Stories of Otautahi - Antartica and Transport

Thursday 22 October – Antarctica and Transport

The Christchurch–Ferrymead Railway
Alistair Cross, Canterbury Provincial Railways

The opening of the Christchurch–Ferrymead railway on 1 December 1863 marked the beginning of New Zealand’s national railway network. Explore the personalities and decisions behind its development and its influence on Canterbury and the country.

The Story of Christchurch’s Samoan Community
Josiah Tualamali’i

Explore the journeys, traditions and experiences that have shaped Christchurch’s Samoan community and its growing contribution to the cultural life of Ōtautahi.

Protecting Antarctica’s Historic Huts
Antarctic Heritage Trust

Hear how the Antarctic Heritage Trust conserves the huts, buildings and artefacts left by Antarctica’s early explorers in one of the harshest environments on Earth.

Visitors can also explore the preserved huts of Sir Edmund Hillary and Ernest Shackleton through a special virtual-reality experience in the Friendly Lodge.

Evening concert – Roger Lusby

Roger Lusby, who previously wintered in Antarctica as a base mechanic, presents a special concert exploring Christchurch’s connections with the frozen continent.