International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket
Overview
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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, 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.
What‘s Included
International Antarctic Center Admission Ticket
Excess luggage charges (where applicable)
Participants must be at least 1.2m tall to ride the Hägglunds
Meeting points
International Antarctic Centre
38 Orchard Road Christchurch New Zealand
End points
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Options
International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket
Reviews
515 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Guided tour is worth the extra money
profmom 12,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We enjoyed the guided tour. Leighton was very knowledgeable about Antarctica and greatly enriched our tour.
Awesome
Geoff L,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Hey it's was really an eye opener to actually hear what's being done down in antartica. And the conditions to live in.
Quite interesting, good way to spend a couple of hours
404HappyTraveller,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We hadn’t had the good fortune to see blue penguins in their natural environment, so this was an opportunity to see them in the rescue centre here. We dropped off our rental car at the airport and walked across to the centre. Arrived just as they were going out with the Hagglunds, so timing was right to get to ride in one on their “obstacle “ course. Quite fun. We were fortunate to see several of the blue penguins out and about and interacting with each other. Bonus, just happened to start chatting with one of the penguin keepers, and that turned into a long conversation. We learned quite a lot about the rescue centre, and also about several of the individual penguins in the group. We passed on the storm experience, as it didn’t seem much different than a winter day back home in Canada. 🙄. The 4D theatre was fun, and interesting - you can go and see what their forth dimension is. Lots of other interesting and informative displays on a variety of connected topics.
Amazing experience. You...
Shirin M,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing experience. You learn a lot about Antarctica. The whole experience is amazing. I enjoyed it all.
Who knew Antarctica could be so cool!!!!
breta2015,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We paid for the tour and it was well worth it. One of the best museum experiences we have ever had. The tour was 2 hours and then we spent another hour going back through the museum
Further south you just can't go
W9186XHmartinb,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A very informative experience, plus some fun thrown in.
Not a “must see” but a fun half day out
chocolocomama,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00This was a fun half day activity. Sadly, the 4D cinema was broken when we visited but we enjoyed the Haglund ride and experiencing the Antarctic storm room.
Interesting, educational centee
ruthlC582EM,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great place to visit for adults and kids. Ride the Haglund, experience a winter storm on Antarctica and see native NZ penguins.
Great fun time
Michelle K,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a real fun experience with the opportunity to experience an arctic snow storm, an arctic cruise and what it would be like to travel in a vehicle over the arctic It was very well organised and informative
The exhibits are fun &...
Frances S,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The exhibits are fun & interesting…the staff are super friendly,,,some seniors might find the hagglund ride bumpy but we thoroughly enjoyed it.
From NZ$74.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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