PO Box 95
Lyttelton 8841
Te Ūaka recognises Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke as Mana Whenua and Mana Moana for Te Whakaraupō / Lyttelton Harbour.
'Antarctica' stories delve into Lyttelton's significant role as the gateway to the icy expanse of Antarctica, marking it as a crucial home port for some of the most daring and historic expeditions to the southernmost continent. This period, known as the "Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration," saw intrepid explorers like Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton set sail from Lyttelton's shores aboard vessels such as the Discovery, Terra Nova, Nimrod, and Endurance. These expeditions, driven by the spirit of discovery and the pursuit of scientific knowledge, laid the groundwork for our understanding of Antarctica. The era was characterised by remarkable feats of endurance and bravery in the face of the harshest conditions on Earth. Additionally, Lyttelton port served as a base for later U.S.-led expeditions, continuing its legacy as a pivotal launching point for Antarctic exploration. These stories celebrate the adventurers, their ships, and the indomitable spirit of exploration that links Whakaraupō to the great ice continent, highlighting the enduring connection between the harbour and the vast, mysterious landscapes of Antarctica.