Antarctic Centre: Immersive Christchurch Experience
4.4
463 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: 24 hours
Highlights
  • International Antarctic Centre - The International Antarctic Centre brings a piece of this incredible continent to Christchurch, offering a variety of immersive experiences that enable visitors to see, touch, feel, and fall in love with Antarctica.
    Experience the thrill of an Antarctic storm, take an off-road adventure in a Hägglund, observe…
see more
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…

see more
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
4.4
(463 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Leonig767
Dec 1, 2025
Fabulous, educational centre - A really interesting and informative centre. The films were interesting. The experience of putting on a warm jacket and being in -8oc wind chill was fun.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Traceyr279
Nov 23, 2025
Fascinating and interactive - Had a great afternoon in the IAC. Lots of really interesting displays plus interactive activities including experiencing the cold of the Antarctic and a ride on a Hagglund. Loved the penguins. Friendly, helpful staff. Excellent value for money.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wander_eyes
Nov 22, 2025
Must visit! - The International Antarctic Centre is an absolute must-visit when you're in Christchurch. It’s only a couple of minutes from the airport, so it’s perfect to stop by either as soon as you land or right before you fly out. I’d recommend setting aside around three to four hours to really enjoy everything. I was pleasantly surprised by how large and engaging the exhibits were. There are several activities to choose from, including a ride on the Hägglund: a Swedish-made military vehicle actually used in Antarctica. The ride itself lasts about ten minutes and is a lot of fun. Request to ride in the front! You can also meet and pet the huskies, if that’s your thing. Another standout is the snowstorm room, where you can feel what an Antarctic blast is like. They also show several films, but the highlight for me was the 4D theater experience. Avoid the first two rows and you will thank me later! And of course, the penguins! They have about a dozen of the smallest penguins, all rescues. You can’t pet them, but you can get very close, and we happened to catch their feeding — watching them eat squid was adorable. Overall, it’s an informative and fascinating center that brings this mysterious continent to life. Christchurch is known as the gateway to Antarctica, and this place truly captures that spirit. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Matthew_m
Nov 21, 2025
Must do experience - Hagglund ride a must. Snow storm experience feel -18c. 4d cinema. Husky patting. View Blue penguins.
Review provided by Viator
Jet32224852378
Nov 17, 2025
Great experience - This is a must see if you are in Christchurch. Be rugged up for the storm room gets to -18 degrees Celsius. Meeting the huskies is special
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jane_m
Nov 14, 2025
Enjoyable family activity in Christchurch - Great place to take the family, some unique and fun activities to enjoy and a fascinating look into life in Antartica, past and present.
Review provided by Viator
39kerriey
Nov 12, 2025
AMAZING,A MUST VISIT! - Purchased tickets while in another country with great ease. Once arrived at the Antartica centre staff were very friendly, and explained things clearly. The experiences were amazing from the Hagglunds field ride, storm experience , penguins, and the cute huskies. Very much recommended visiting. 😊
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Y4638mxjudyh
Nov 8, 2025
A worthwhile visit - Excellent exhibits and many are interactive. Some superb films. The experience is both educational and enjoyable. Staff are very helpful.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
James_c
Nov 26, 2025
Very interesting, but realize you have to provide your own transportation. - It was very interesting however we only had about an hour and 45 minutes at the center because our ship was leaving 3 1/2 hours earlier than planned. We thought this include transportation to the center however we took a shuttle to Christchurch and then took a taxi cab for about $45 each way New Zealand currency so it was more expensive than we thought it would be, but it was a great experience.
Review provided by Viator
R4484jgsarahm
Nov 30, 2025
A Very Tired Tourist Trap - A disappointment. For $74 which (includes admission and a 15 minute ride on the Hagglund, I expected a state of the art experience. It is a tired, dated, old tech museum. It needs major updating in technology, photos and stories. There have been people down there who have had incredible experiences. What about the physician who found a lump, did her own biopsy, administered her own airdropped chemotherapy for cancer because a plane cannot land 8 months of the year! It's one thing to say it has harsh winters, but bring the reality to life. Don't just show blowing snow in a film! This may have been state of the art in the early 1990s when it opened, but it is just a tired tourist trap now, and an expensive one. Shameful.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Check Availability
From $43
From $43
up to 9 guests
1 - Adult
Select a date
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).