International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket
Description
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 (must be at least 1.2metres tall to ride the Hägglund), 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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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, see rescued Kororā, Little Blue 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, except Christmas Day, from 9am – 4.30pm.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Hagglund Rides: We do not recommend this ride for visitors with heart conditions, back or neck pain or if pregnant
- Children must be over 1.2 meters tall to ride the Hagglund and all children must be accompanied by an adult
Reviews(536)
Must do if you have thr time. The staff are great and they will look after your luggage while you do the tour. Great way to kill 3 hrs before jump on plane
The International Antarctic Centre offers a well‑rounded, immersive, and educational experience. My three children reported it as the highlight of their holiday. Two of my three daughters said that the best thing that they did on their holiday was the Hägglund all‑terrain vehicle ride as it’s bumpy, loud, and adventurous, giving you a real sense of how Antarctic transport works. My Kids loved it. My third child said she really loved the storm simulation where temperatures drop, winds roar, and the room transforms into a full Antarctic whiteout, she also loved seeing the Little Blue Penguins. The International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket is well worth it. It’s one of Christchurch’s top attractions. My kids loved it more than the zoo.
Excellent place to visit with a 21 year old. She loved the penguins and the huskies. Found all the info very interesting. The vehicle ride was quite thrilling!
Amazing facility that uses interactivity as its core approach. Would appeal to history buffs, animal lovers. Environmentalists, children, teenagers, pretty much everyone. The snowstorm room was hilarious to not only experience but to watch other people through the windows and time how long they last at -20 C before they run for the exit (I only lasted 2 of the 4 minutes so no judgment!) Very good little cafe too. It is very expensive though so be prepared for sticker shock.
Fascinating visit with so much to learn and some memorable ways to help the experience. Staff were passionate and knowledgeable- a very good value, important place to learn about Antarctica.
We had a great visit to the International Antarctic Centre. The staff was great, and the facilities were well laid out, with a lot of information about Antarctica and various research programs. Would highly recommend, especially if you have a couple of hours before needing to fly out of the Christchurch airport.
Fantastic option in Christchurch. Recommend. Also add the Haggerlund ride - very fun
What a great experience so hands on. Loved seeing the dogs
Amazing experience for all age groups. Plenty of interactive activities including the ride in a hagglund (snow vehicle), meeting the huskies, seeing the penguins being fed, experiencing a snow storm and watching a 4d movie. The staff are very friendly and full of information with the ones we met having had time at the antartic themselves. We have teenage kids so were a bit rushed and couldn't read all the information but we absolutely had a great couple of hours there before our flight home
The centre is excellent. There is so much information, well presented and accompanied by several short films which were informative and thought provoking. It was really engaging for all ages no matter how much you wanted to read as displays were interspersed with meeting huskies, seeing little blue penguins, standing in an Antarctic storm and riding a Haaglund which was a hilarious highlight for us! Like so many places in New Zealand though this place was made by amazing friendly staff. In particular we chatted with Stan several times during our visit and he was such a standout guide. He was approachable, knowledgeable and passionate which was so contagious when chatting to him. Special thanks for adding so much to our family visit here.
