Hundreds of hardy Christchurch residents have taken to the water at New Brighton Beach to mark the shortest day of the year and celebrate the city’s special connection with Antarctica.

The annual polar plunge drew more than three times the number of people who took part last year, despite steady rain and a chilly temperature of about 10 degrees.

The event recognised Christchurch’s role as one of the world’s Antarctic gateway cities, with New Zealand’s Scott Base connected to the city through decades of science, logistics and research support.

Ken Livingston, Canterbury Branch Chair of the NZ Antarctic Society, said the plunge was about raising awareness of Antarctica and showing support for those spending winter on the ice.

“It’s also just a feeling of kinship with the people who are wintering over in Antarctica, because they’re doing it fairly tough. They’ve had two months of darkness and they’ve got another two months to go.”

Before the plunge, those who dressed up were recognised, with prizes handed out for some of the best costumes.

One participant dressed as an octopus said she was looking forward to getting into the water, but possibly even more excited about getting out again.

“I am an octopus today,” she said.

Asked if she was looking forward to the plunge, she said, “Yes, very much so.”

Another participant said the swim was well worth the cold. “Oh, that was lovely. Beautiful. It was very cold.”

Another swimmer said the water was “freezing,” but added, “My body’s all tingly though. It was lovely and cold today.”

Asked if they would do it again, they said, “Yeah, definitely. One hundred percent.”

Hundreds ran into the surf together, with many emerging from the water smiling despite the cold and wet conditions.

The event has become a popular winter tradition, celebrating Christchurch’s proud Antarctic connection while bringing the community together for one of the city’s coldest annual challenges.