China's Xuelong (Snow Dragon) vessel, on the country's 26th Antarctic expedition, arrived at New Zealand's coastal city of Christchurch on Thursday for bunkering, fresh water replenishment and equipment maintenance.

Thirteen researchers, including a scientist from Taiwan, will board the ship during its two-day stay at Christchurch. It will be the first time for a researcher from Taiwan to join the Chinese mainland's Antarctic expedition.

An S76 helicopter rented from Australia with three crew members will also join the team in port. It will mainly be used for personnel and small cargo transportation during the expedition in Antarctic.

The Xuelong left China's eastern coastal city of Shanghai on October 11. It crossed the equator on October 19 and navigated in the Southern Pacific Ocean for 10 days.

"The ship will leave the port on October. 30 if the weather permits," said captain Wang Jianzhong.

The ship is expected to arrive at China's Changcheng (Great Wall) station, located south of King George Island, before November. 15.

(Xinhua News Agency October 29, 2009)