International Antarctic Centre

Highlights

• Award-winning Christchurch attraction
• Encounters with penguins & huskies
• World's first indoor Antarctic storm
• Great for families!

Description

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 you can then enter the Husky cuddle zone to see some of these gorgeous animals and snap a photoor two. 

This is a great day out for all of the family to enjoy together.

International Antarctic Centre Timetable

• Penguin Feeding - 10.30am, 1.00pm & 3.30pm
• The Antarctic Storm - 9.30am, 11.00am, 11.30am, 12.00pm, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.00pm, 4.00pm & 4.30pm
• Happy Feet 4D Experience- 10.15am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm & 4.30pm
• Ice Voyage 4D - 11.00am, 12.00pm, 1.00pm, 2.00pm, 3.00pm, 4.00pm & 5.00pm
• Husky Zone - 11.00am, 12.00pm & 1.30pm
• Hagglund Rides - All day from 9.20am-4.50pm

Trip Includes

• Entry into the International Antarctic Centre
• Unlimited Hagglund rides
• Unlimited 4D extreme shows
• Free time to explore the centre

Duration

• Allow 2-8 hours

Departures

• The centre is open from 9am-5.30pm you may enter as you wish
• Self drive to 38 Orchard road, Christchurch airport
• Operates daily all year 

Other 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
• Audio guides are available in English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, German, French, Spanish & Mandarin
• For the Snow & Ice Experience we recommend wearing enclosed footwear, no jandals

Normal Retail Price

• General Admission:
  • Adult (16 yrs+) NZD$69.00
  • Child (5-15 yrs) NZD$45.00
  • Family (2ad + up to 3ch) NZD$189.00