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
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.
Options
International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
533 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Awesome
Mark251265,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing 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 and fun
Kathy M,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fascinating 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.
Informative and Fun
Vacation32839802682,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We 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.
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
Related Experiences
Operated by International Antarctic Centre