International Antarctic Center: A Slice of Antarctica in Christchurch with Immersive Experiences
4.3
246 Ratings
Christchurch
Experience the wonders of Antarctica in Christchurch at the International Antarctic Center. Brave storms, meet penguins, and immerse yourself in the beauty of this icy continent.
Duration: 5 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • International Antarctic Centre - The International Antarctic Centre transports a slice of this astounding continent to Christchurch, with a range of immersive experiences that allow everyday visitors to see, touch, feel and fall in love with Antarctica.

Brave an Antarctic storm, go off-road in a Hägglund, befriend a husky, mingle with the penguins, experience Antarctica from all four dimensions and leave with a head full of knowledge, a heart full of love and an inspiration to take action. Just like the explorers before you.

We are located next to Christchurch International Airport and open every day of the year from 9am

What's Included
  • Admission to the International Antarctic Center
What's Not Included
  • Excess luggage charges (where applicable)
Additional Information

The International Antarctic Centre brings a part of the awe-inspiring Antarctic right to Christchurch, offering a variety of engaging experiences which enable regular visitors to explore and adore Antarctica. Dare to endure an Antarctic tempest, adventure off-road in a Hägglund, hobnob with penguins, soak in the four-dimensional depiction of Antarctica and depart brimming with new knowledge, a heart full of passion and a newfound resolve to make a difference. Just as early adventurers did.

  • Hagglund Rides: We do not recommend this ride for visitors with heart conditions, back or neck pain or if pregnant
  • Children must be over 3 years old to ride the Hagglund and all children must be accompanied by an adult
Location
International Antarctic Centre
38 Orchard Road, International Antarctic Centre
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.3
(246 Ratings)
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Lynne_k
Apr 30, 2024
The storm and 4d rooms... - The storm and 4d rooms were great. Overall a great venue to visit Will certainly recommend to family and friends
Review provided by Viator
Helen_l
Apr 14, 2024
Great time at the International Antarctic center - Loved the penguin feeding and huskies. It was all great! All the displays were really well done and it was very educational! 😃
Review provided by Viator
W6241cxmichelleb
Apr 13, 2024
Interesting place to visit. - Really enjoyed this experience, learnt a lot, but in a fun not too heavy way which is perfect. Loved seeing the pen, wings and huskies, and the snow room is fun!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Skywalker102014
Mar 13, 2024
Not to be missed - More than a museum, add discovery center, activity center, research facility, educational exhibit, just ..Wow! Ever since reading about Ernest Shackleton, the Antarctic has held me in awe, seeing the exhibits of his and Scott’s base camps with survival gear made it so clear. Then the Antarctic storm chamber gave you a real glimpse of the conditions, not to mention the 3D voyage to the Antarctic. We caught the penguin feeding at 3:00 and the well trained and well taken care of, and friendly husky dogs lifted the entire experience to a do not miss this, we Loved it!! Staff was better than great, every one of them, from ticket counter to departure. Thank you all; well done!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bronte000
Mar 12, 2024
Amazing - Absolutely fantastic. There was a 4 D Theatre, another theatre, live penguins, and a meet and greet with the huskies. The best thing was the simulated snow storm room, it was so cold, but anazing. Dont miss this if you are in Chritchurch.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gracee698
Mar 9, 2024
Great place! - An amazing place! So much to do all included in the basic ticket price (penguins, huskies, Hagglund ride, 4D cinema and Antarctic storm experience) Lots of interesting information displays. Really friendly staff - a specific shoutout to Scott the Husky man who did an excellent talk about the role of Husky’s previously in Antarctica. Great for adults and children. Would 100% recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Crayeater
Mar 6, 2024
Make sure you do the Hagglunds Field Trip! - Make sure you do the Hagglunds Field Trip, it's a full on bone shaking ride with a amusing guide. It does take a bit of mucking around to get everyone loaded up, but well worth the wait. We also loved the penguins, you can peek through glass windows and see them in their burrows, and see them both above and below water from other parts. The snow storm was great too. We arrived a bit later than expected and found 2 hours just a little rushed, if we had more time we would have spent more with the penguins, and done the snow storm and Hagglunds trip twice each. Well worth the family pass price for me and the three nephews.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jhmttl
Mar 5, 2024
The International Arctic Centre is a MUST ! - The International Arctic Centre is a must when visiting Christchurch. It is located adjacent to the airport and there is plenty of parking. You start with climbing into vehicles designed to operate in the Antarctic. You are driven through an obstacle course mimicking the frozen tundra. There are some highs and lows but perfectly safe. Everyone in our vehicle was laughing and asking for more. People who have neck issues should not go on the ride. Inside you have an option to go into a large room that simulates the freezing temperatures and high winds of the Antarctic. You will be provided a coat and booties if you chose to go into the room. I was in the room for 21 minutes with an open jacket. There is another exhibit where you place your hand in frozen water and a timer displays how long your hand is in the water. The challenge is to keep your hand in the water for one minute. I kept mine in for two minutes. I could have kept it in longer but others wanted to try the exhibit. No one in front of me lasted more than 15 seconds. There are lots of exhibits in the Centre. Plan on 3 hours to see everything.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tkq
Mar 13, 2024
Disappointed - Unless you are prepared to do a whole lot of reading, which children aren’t, then the centre doesn’t offer a lot of info. The Dog sled display was hugely disappointing, the presenter just the early explorers into the ground with a , try to be funny presentation, lacked fact and purpose.we weren’t even show how the dogs work. There was a good 3 D show which the children liked , but no commentary. The cold experience in the chiller room was fun, but again no commentary….the technology is out there but sadly not encompassed at the Antarctic Centre , rated 3/10
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Climber50699318288
Mar 9, 2024
Terrible staff experience - The Center itself was pretty cool, but standing in line for the Hagglund ride a cafe employee came out and was extremely rude to a mother of a newborn about which bin she had disposed of her diaper. It was totally unprofessional as she did it in front of an entire group of people instead of pulling the lady aside and talking to her in a respectful manner. Having a newborn is hard enough without being dressed down in front of a crowd. Extremely unprofessional and kinda ruined the experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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