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
530 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Unique museum experience
brunelloafcionado,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic option in Christchurch. Recommend. Also add the Haggerlund ride - very fun
Definite must in Christchurch
U2577SWpatriced,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great experience so hands on. Loved seeing the dogs
Absolute must do experience in Christchurch!
Leeann46,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing 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
A must do in Christchurch!
jm1983rev,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The 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.
Life on the Antarctic
Vicki G,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thoroughly enjoyed our visit. The staff were very good with knowledge of life in the Antarctic. I came away with a newfound interest in the history and inhabitants on a big chilly block of ice. Worth a visit
Very cool
juliajI3850WM,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The hagglan ride was very scary for 7 year old. My child loved the storm house and the 4d movie and all the wonderful interactive things e.g holding his hand in very cold Antarctic water. We loved it thanks very enjoyable day
Loved it
952esmel,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved it, we had fun riding the hagglund, experiencing the wind chill of the antartic climate, the 4D movie and much much more. Lots to learn
Cool
Carolynn B,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00It was exactly as advertised. Everybody was super helpful and kind. It wasnt as flashy as american museums or science centers but it was cool. I think its perfect for younger audience as the exhibits are fairly short and manageable. The icestorm they give you jackets/shoe covers you dont need more than that.
Antarctica tour
manjunair83,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a good experience and since it was right next to the airport it was a good short Antarctica tour before leaving Christchurch.
Diverse & informative, but a bit pricey
Syed M,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Despite only having an hour, I was able to make good use of my time at the International Antarctic Centre. Although the staff recommend at least 2 hours, they were able to suggest the most important exhibits to check out in my limited time. The Antarctic Storm simulator was "refreshingly" chilly. I liked seeing & learning about the huskies. And, I found the 4D cinema enjoyable & a little funny. There's a lot of information covering all aspects of the Antarctic from geography to ecology to the way of life. The main disappointment was not being able to appreciate the penguins. It seems they were all asleep, so at best we could peek at them in their burrows. If I had more time I would have ridden on a Hägglund and maybe considered a guided tour. Because of the price, I don't think it's worth for me to go back again, so I'd suggest making the most of your visit.
From NZ$74.00
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Operated by International Antarctic Centre