When and where is the event?

The show is at The Boathouse, 326 Wakefield Quay, Stepneyville, Nelson on Wednesday 1 July 2026 from 6:00pm–8:30pm; the presentation begins at 6:30pm.

How long is the presentation?

Roger’s presentation runs about 1.5 hours with a half-hour intermission, and the full booking window is roughly two hours.

What are ticket prices?

Tickets listed are $20 for Sanctuary Members, $25 for Non-Members, $45 for a family (2 adults and up to 3 children); children under 15 attend free.

Are tickets refundable?

Refund policies are not listed in the event summary; check the booking link or contact the organizer for cancellation and refund details.

Yes—The Boathouse serves meals and attendees are encouraged to dine at the venue before the show.

Is the event suitable for children?

Children under 15 attend free; the show is best for older children who can sit through mixed-media storytelling and historic content.

40 Years Below — Roger Lusby’s Antarctic Stories at The Boathouse, Nelson | Theater | Events

Adventure Brief

Spend an evening with Roger Lusby as he brings 40 years of Antarctic photos, songs, poems, and stories to The Boathouse in Nelson. This fundraiser supports Brook Waimārama Sanctuary—expect vivid slides, technical station detail, and a warm community atmosphere.

2 hours

easy

From NZ$26.50

40 Years Below brings Roger Lusby’s Antarctic years to Nelson, a two-hour fundraiser performance staged at The Boathouse on Wakefield Quay. Roger’s audio-visual show—built from decades of photographs, songs, poems, and wry storytelling—revisits his season as a base mechanic at Scott Base and pays deliberate tribute to Sir Ernest Shackleton. The event supports Brook Waimārama Sanctuary conservation; every ticket sale is donated to the sanctuary, making the evening part performance, part community benefit.

The Boathouse (326 Wakefield Quay, Stepneyville) frames the show with a working waterfront atmosphere; supper at the venue before curtain gives the audience a chance to trade sea air and local hospitality for images of ice and long polar nights. The program runs roughly 1.5 hours of content with a half-hour intermission inside a room designed for projection and conversation, and a total booking window of about two hours. Expect vivid slide sequences of Antarctic ice, gear, and the practical mechanics of life on an isolated polar station, delivered with humor and measured reflection.

What makes this offering special in Nelson is its blend of intimate oral history and active conservation. Roger Lusby’s first‑hand winter‑over account is uncommon: technical detail about machinery and station life, photographs that show weathered structures and crevassed landscapes, and live storytelling that connects the ice to coastal New Zealand stewardship. The fundraiser is a reminder that local conservation organizations like Brook Waimārama Sanctuary depend on community events to fund predator control and native forest restoration back on the mainland.

Practical details are straightforward: tickets are tiered (member, non-member, family), children under 15 attend free, and simple seating means early arrival is smart. A raffle during the night adds to the communal tone and gives visitors a chance to support the sanctuary further. The show is suitable for adults and older children who can sit through a mixed-media presentation; it’s not an expedition but an evening of travel by proxy, ideal for curious minds and conservation-minded travelers.

If you’re planning an evening in Nelson, pair the performance with a walk along the nearby waterfront or a visit to the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary on another day to see where your contribution goes. For anyone who loves Antarctic history, Shackleton lore, or plain good storytelling about remote places, 40 Years Below offers a memorable mix of human scale, technical detail, and a cause worth supporting.

Tickets are available for the date listed, and seating capacity is limited to maintain an intimate setting; purchase in advance through the supplied booking link. Arrive early to order food, browse raffle items, and settle in. The presentation suits historians, engineers, students, and anyone drawn to the practical realities of polar life and community-driven conservation. Reserve your seat today now.

About The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary

Brook Waimārama Sanctuary is a predator-free ecological sanctuary on the outskirts of Nelson, New Zealand, dedicated to protecting native forest and wildlife. It manages fenced conservation areas and restores habitats for indigenous species, combining pest control, habitat restoration, and community engagement. The Sanctuary offers a variety of visitor experiences including guided daytime walks, self-guided general admission, and specialist events. Night tours highlight nocturnal species such as kiwi and ruru, and give visitors the chance to see glowworms and hear native bird calls. Small-group formats ensure intimate wildlife encounters and low visitor impact. Brook Waimārama Sanctuary works with local iwi, conservation organisations, and volunteers to deliver education, restoration, and species protection programmes. Facilities support walking tracks, maps, visitor information, and seasonal events. Purchasing admission or participating in guided experiences supports ongoing conservation and pest management efforts. The Sanctuary is managed by a charitable organisation focused on long-term ecological recovery. Visitors can expect knowledgeable guides, clear track information, and opportunities to learn about local fauna and conservation science. The experience suits families, small groups, and people seeking wildlife encounters in a protected forest setting. Brook Waimārama Sanctuary remains a recognised conservation site near Nelson, contributing to regional biodiversity and public education.

On-site signage and guided commentary explain ecological history, species recovery, and the Sanctuary's conservation role. Visitors are asked to follow track guidelines, respect wildlife, and support ongoing initiatives. Gift cards and public events raise funds for habitat protection, reinforcing community involvement and long-term ecological recovery across the Nelson region.