The International Antarctic Centre are thrilled to announce that a Christchurch local has won an all-expenses-paid trip for two to Antarctica with Viva Expeditions, valued at $35,000.
For five months, local, domestic, and international visitors to the International Antarctic Centre were able to enter in the draw to win an 11-day Best of Antarctica voyage with Viva Expeditions.
The winner, Brian O’Connell, visited the Centre with his family back in June and his name was drawn from almost 5000 entries.
International Antarctic Centre general manager David Kennedy says the promotion was a huge success.
“This is the first time we’ve ever run a promotion of this scale and we were blown away by the positive response we received from visitors and our local community.
“We received 4723 entries between May and the end of September, many of which were from international visitors, so we were surprised and delighted to discover that our lucky winner was a Cantabrian.”
When the International Antarctic Centre contacted the winner; Brian, he was left speechless.
“When I received the call from the Antarctic Centre, I thought to myself that this was too random and specific to be some sort of scam,” says Brian. “When I was told I had won the trip, I was utterly speechless. I think there was a long pause and I reckon the team thought the phone had lost connection. It was an amazing feeling and surreal – I’m still pinching myself!
“I rang my brother, and he couldn’t believe what I had won. When I asked him if he wanted to come with me, he thought I was joking then gave me a similar reaction to the one I gave the Antarctic Centre,” says Brian.
The International Antarctic Centre partnered with Viva Expeditions for this competition.
“Viva Expeditions have been incredibly generous to offer this once in a lifetime opportunity to see and experience the great white wilderness of Antarctica,” says David. “Viva truly are world-leading experts in Antarctic small ship cruises and offer incredible tours to the frozen continent.”
Viva Expeditions Founder, Rachel Williams says she is excited for the winner to join them on their Best of Antarctica expedition cruise in March 2024.
“An Antarctic cruise is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience for any traveller and we’re looking forward to welcoming Brian and his brother on our 11-day cruise aboard the Ocean Endeavour early next year.”
“The pair will get the opportunity to walk on the Antarctic continent among huge colonies of penguins, zodiac cruise among icebergs and seals, and even do a polar plunge into the icy Antarctic waters if they’re feeling brave enough!” says Rachel.
The competition prize includes international flight credit to the value of $5000 to reach Ushuaia, the departure city for the cruise.
“A trip to Antarctica is on many people’s bucket list and we’re excited to have made this dream a reality for Brian,” says David. “We hope Brian and his brother have an unforgettable trip to Antarctica, thanks to Viva Expeditions.”
