International Antarctic Centre

Free parking
Wheelchair friendly
Accessible parking area
International Antarctic Centre - Christchurch | Everything New Zealand-1International Antarctic Centre - Christchurch | Everything New Zealand-2International Antarctic Centre - Christchurch | Everything New Zealand-3International Antarctic Centre - Christchurch | Everything New Zealand-4International Antarctic Centre - Christchurch | Everything New Zealand-5
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4.88 reviews

Highlights & inclusions

Award-winning Christchurch attraction
Opportunity to see Little Blue Penguins & Huskies
World's first indoor Antarctic storm experience
4D extreme show
Hagglund Field Trip
Great for families!
From
$74.00NZD
Free cancellation up to 48 hours prior to experience
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May 2026

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Hot Deal
Last minute deal

2. Select participants

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Highlighted reviews

4.8/5
Based on 8 reviews
Read all reviews
m

michelle gardiner

about 1 month ago

I highly recommend Everything NZ for their fantastic service. Booking our tickets to the International Antarctic Centre was incredibly easy, with a smooth and straightforward process from start to finish. On the day of our visit, we ran into a bit of a hiccup, but the team at Everything NZ handled it seamlessly. They quickly changed our booking without any fuss, taking all the stress out of the situation and making everything feel effortless. Their support and efficiency truly stood out, and they made the whole experience so much easier for us. I wouldn’t hesitate to use them again!

L

Lindsey Alderson

8 months ago

Great place to visit. Fun things to do and lots of interesting facts The little blue penguins were very cute and the huskies very lazy but adorable anyway

What you can expect

Antarctica is the driest, coldest and windiest place on the planet with more than 98% of it covered by ice! It is an incredibly dangerous place and is the 5th largest continent, exuding a certain magic across the vast white landscape. It is also home to penguins, seals, other wildlife, stunning glaciers and amazing ice formations. If you want to experience all of this from the safety of New Zealand then head to the International Antarctic Centre, one of New Zealand's best tourist attractions, to get a taste of the extreme conditions.

Experience 4 seasons of Antarctica & Explorer legends. In the centre you can discover the stories and legacies left behind by great Antarctic explorers and experience the stunning light and sound show of the 4 seasons of Antarctica. The 6 minute show will take you from daylight to darkness and you can even experience it "snow"!

Enjoy the Snow & Ice Experience by entering the indoor polar room which is a chilly -5 degrees celsius. Here you can slide down an ice slope, take shelter in an ice cave, feel the wind chill at a freezing -18 degrees and be exhilarated by the Antarctic storm that blows through every hour! Warm jackets and overshoes are provided for your comfort!

Then why not jump on board the Hagglund for a ride? Sit back, strap in and hold on tight as the amphibious vehicle simulates the conditions experienced when driving in Antarctica! After all the excitement of the Hagglund you can then head to see the Little Blue Penguins! If the penguins weren't cute enough for you, enter the Husky zone to see some of these gorgeous animals and snap a photo or two.

All experiences run regularly every day. When checking in, please ask a member of the team about timings on the day of your visit.

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Location

What you need to know

Inclusions
  • Entry into the International Antarctic Centre
  • Free time to explore the centre
Duration
  • Please allow 2- 3 hours for this experience
Departure Location
  • The centre is open from 9am-4.30pm you may enter as you wish
  • Self drive to 38 Orchard road, Christchurch airport
  • Operates daily all year, except Christmas Day
FAQs
  • Do I need to Book or can I just turn up for the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch? It is best to book the International Antarctic Centre in advance as this guarantees your space.
  • How to get to the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch if I do not have a car? The International Antarctic Centre is approximately a 15-minute drive from Christchurch central city or a 5-minute walk across the road from the Christchurch Airport terminal. You can take the public bus or there are ubers.
Additional Information
  • Child rates (5-15yrs) & family rates available (2 adults + 3 children)
  • You can come and go from the attraction as you please
  • Lockers are available to hire at a small cost for 3 hours
  • There is a cafe on site to purchase food & drinks
  • For the Snow & Ice Experience we recommend wearing enclosed footwear, no jandals
Cancellation Policy
  • Change your booking up to 48 hours before the start time of your experience
  • Changes are not permitted within 48 hours of your experience
  • Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience

Recent reviews

4.8/5
Based on 8 reviews
m

michelle gardiner

about 1 month ago

I highly recommend Everything NZ for their fantastic service. Booking our tickets to the International Antarctic Centre was incredibly easy, with a smooth and straightforward process from start to finish. On the day of our visit, we ran into a bit of a hiccup, but the team at Everything NZ handled it seamlessly. They quickly changed our booking without any fuss, taking all the stress out of the situation and making everything feel effortless. Their support and efficiency truly stood out, and they made the whole experience so much easier for us. I wouldn’t hesitate to use them again!

L

Lindsey Alderson

8 months ago

Great place to visit. Fun things to do and lots of interesting facts The little blue penguins were very cute and the huskies very lazy but adorable anyway

L

Laila Lakhani

over 1 year ago

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