How much time should I spend at the International Antarctic Centre?

Most visitors spend **2–3 hours** exploring the centre’s exhibits and experiences. This allows enough time to enjoy the Storm Room, Hägglund ride, penguin habitat, and interactive displays.

Do I need to book International Antarctic Centre tickets in advance?

Advance booking is recommended during school holidays and peak tourist seasons. Pre-booking also helps secure your preferred entry time and avoid queues at the ticket desk.

Is the International Antarctic Centre suitable for children and families?

Yes. The centre is family-friendly, with interactive exhibits, wildlife encounters, and immersive experiences like the 4D theatre and Hägglund ride that appeal to visitors of all ages.

What are the most popular experiences at the centre?

Highlights include the **Antarctic Storm Room**, the **Hägglund all-terrain vehicle ride**, and the **Little Blue Penguin Rescue habitat**, where visitors can watch rescued penguins swim and dive.

When is the best time to visit the International Antarctic Centre?

Morning visits are usually quieter and allow you to experience popular attractions like the Hägglund ride with shorter wait times.

Is the International Antarctic Centre wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Most areas of the centre are wheelchair accessible, with step-free pathways and accessible facilities throughout the attraction.

Can I take photos inside the International Antarctic Centre?

Yes, photography is allowed in most areas of the centre. Visitors are advised to avoid using flash when photographing penguins in the rescue habitat.

Are food and drinks available at the centre?

Yes. The centre has an onsite café where visitors can purchase snacks, drinks, and light meals during their visit.

Are there any height or health restrictions for the Hägglund ride?

Yes. The ride may not be suitable for visitors who are pregnant or those with certain back, neck, or heart conditions due to the steep slopes and off-road movement.

Can I see real animals at the International Antarctic Centre?

Yes. The centre is home to a **Little Blue Penguin Rescue habitat**, where rescued penguins are cared for and rehabilitated before returning to the wild.

International Antarctic Centre Tickets

Q: Where is the International Antarctic Centre located?

The centre is located next to **Christchurch International Airport**, about a **15-minute drive from central Christchurch**, making it an easy stop before or after a flight.

Overview

Ways to explore: Choose general admission to experience the immersive Antarctic-themed attractions at the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch. Your ticket includes interactive exhibits, animal encounters, and thrilling simulations that recreate life on the frozen continent.
What’s included: Most tickets give you access to the Antarctic Storm Room, the Hägglund all-terrain vehicle ride, penguin rescue viewing area, 4D theatre experience, and Antarctic gallery exhibits.
What makes it unique: This attraction recreates Antarctic conditions through immersive experiences, from facing icy winds in the storm simulator to riding the rugged Hägglund vehicle used in polar expeditions.
When to visit: Plan to spend about 2–3 hours exploring the centre. Arrive earlier in the day to catch penguin feeding sessions and enjoy shorter queues for popular experiences like the Hägglund ride.
Good to know: The centre is family-friendly and wheelchair accessible. Some activities, such as the Hägglund ride, may not be recommended for visitors with back, neck, or heart conditions or for those who are pregnant.
Best highlight: Don’t miss the Antarctic Storm Room and the Hägglund Field Trip, two signature experiences that let you feel the extreme weather and terrain explorers face in Antarctica, all without leaving Christchurch.

Which International Antarctic Centre ticket is best for you?

Category	Ticket type	Entrance used	Includes	Why pick this	Price from
Entry ticket	General admission	Main entrance at International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch	Entry to all core attractions including Antarctic Storm Room, Hägglund ride, Little Blue Penguin Rescue viewing, 4D theatre, Antarctic galleries, and Husky Zone	Best for visitors who want the complete Antarctic experience with interactive exhibits and wildlife encounters in one visit	NZ$74

What to expect at International Antarctic Centre

1/5

Immersive Antarctic discovery centre

Explore a world-class attraction in Christchurch dedicated to Antarctica, with interactive galleries, polar simulations, and wildlife encounters that showcase life on the frozen continent.

Penguin rescue & wildlife encounters

Visit the Little Blue Penguin Rescue habitat, home to rescued penguins undergoing rehabilitation. Watch them swim and learn about conservation efforts protecting New Zealand’s smallest penguin species.

Signature polar experiences

Feel extreme conditions in the Antarctic Storm Room and ride a Hägglund all-terrain vehicle used in real expeditions, designed to simulate travel across icy Antarctic terrain.

Interactive science & exploration exhibits

See displays about Antarctic research stations, climate science, and historic expeditions. Multimedia exhibits reveal how scientists live and work in one of Earth’s harshest environments.

Convenient stop near Christchurch Airport

Located just minutes from the airport, the centre fits easily into arrival or departure plans and can be paired with other Christchurch sightseeing experiences.

Things to know before booking International Antarctic Centre tickets

Booking window: Tickets are available throughout the year and can be booked online in advance. Pre-booking helps secure your preferred entry time, especially during school holidays and peak travel periods.
Entry & access: Visitors enter through the main entrance of the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch, located just minutes from the airport. All attractions are housed within the centre, making it easy to move between experiences.
What’s included: Standard admission typically includes access to the Antarctic Storm Room, Hägglund ride, Little Blue Penguin Rescue habitat, 4D theatre, and interactive Antarctic galleries and exhibits.
Ways to explore: Most visitors explore the centre at their own pace, moving between exhibits and scheduled experiences. Plan around 2–3 hours to enjoy the main attractions and interactive zones comfortably.
Best time to visit: Arriving earlier in the day can help you avoid crowds and experience popular attractions like the Hägglund ride with shorter wait times. Penguin feeding sessions and presentations are scheduled throughout the day.
Location & transport: The centre is located next to Christchurch International Airport, about a 15-minute drive from central Christchurch. It’s easy to reach by car, taxi, or as part of a guided city tour.
Accessibility & visitor tips: The attraction is family-friendly and largely indoors, making it suitable to visit in most weather conditions. Some experiences, such as the Hägglund ride, may not be recommended for visitors with certain medical conditions.

Inside the International Antarctic Centre

1/5

Antarctic Storm Room

Step into a freezing polar environment chilled to around –8°C with powerful wind chill that recreates a realistic Antarctic storm. Visitors can experience the icy winds and shelter in an ice cave just like researchers would during extreme weather.

Hägglund Field Trip

Climb aboard a rugged amphibious Hägglund vehicle designed for Antarctic expeditions. The ride navigates steep slopes, crevasses, and rough terrain to simulate how scientists travel across the icy continent.

Penguin Rescue habitat

Watch rescued little blue penguins (kororā) swim and waddle in a purpose-built habitat. These birds are cared for and rehabilitated by the centre, offering a close look at New Zealand’s smallest penguin species.

Antarctic discovery galleries

Explore exhibits like the Antarctic Gallery and immersive experiences such as Antarctica 101, which trace the continent’s evolution and highlight modern scientific research happening there today.

4D Antarctic theatre

Enjoy a short film enhanced with motion seats, wind, mist, and other effects. The multi-sensory experience brings Antarctica’s landscapes and wildlife to life in an exciting cinematic format.

Plan your visit

Daily: 9am – 4:30pm
Last entry: Around 3:30pm to allow time to experience the main attractions.
Best time of day: Visit earlier in the day to enjoy popular experiences like the Hägglund ride and Antarctic Storm Room with shorter wait times. Penguin activity and presentations are also easier to catch earlier.
Best month: The centre is open year-round and mostly indoors, making it a good attraction in any season or during rainy weather in Christchurch.
Duration of visit: Most visitors spend 2–3 hours exploring the exhibits, watching the 4D film, visiting the penguin habitat, and taking part in the Hägglund and storm experiences.

Address: 38 Orchard Road, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch 8053, New Zealand. Find on Map.

By car: The International Antarctic Centre is located next to Christchurch International Airport, about a 15-minute drive from central Christchurch. Free parking is available on site.

By public transport: Several Christchurch bus routes connect the city centre with the airport area. From the airport stop, the centre is a short walk away.

By taxi or rideshare: Taxis and rideshare services like Uber operate throughout Christchurch and can drop you directly at the entrance.

Visitor reception & ticket desk: The main reception area provides ticketing, visitor assistance, and information about the centre’s Antarctic experiences and exhibits.
Parking: Free onsite parking is available for visitors, with spaces located close to the entrance for easy access.
Café & refreshment area: The centre includes a café where visitors can relax with snacks, drinks, or light meals during their visit.
Interactive experience zones: Clearly marked areas guide visitors through the centre’s main attractions such as the Storm Experience, Hägglund Field Trip, Penguin Rescue habitat, Antarctic Gallery, and 4D theatre.
Gift shop: A retail store offers Antarctic-themed souvenirs, gifts, and memorabilia to take home after your visit.

Most areas of the International Antarctic Centre are wheelchair accessible, with step-free routes and accessible facilities throughout the building.
Wheelchair lifts provide access to certain areas, including viewing points for the penguin habitat and other parts of the attraction.
Accessible parking spaces are available near the entrance to make arrival easier for visitors with mobility needs.
Some experiences, such as the Hägglund ride, require visitors to board and disembark independently and may not be suitable for everyone.

Tips & guidelines

Plan 2–3 hours to explore the main experiences including the Storm Room, Hägglund Field Trip, penguin habitat, and Antarctic galleries.
Start with the Hägglund Field Trip or Storm Room early in your visit, as these experiences can have short queues that build later in the day.
Dress in warm layers if you plan to enter the Antarctic Storm Experience, where wind chill conditions simulate the extreme Antarctic climate.
Check the daily schedule to catch penguin activity or presentations, when the birds are most active in the rescue habitat.
Since the centre is located beside Christchurch International Airport, many visitors plan their visit before departure or shortly after arriving in the city.

Frequently asked questions about International Antarctic Centre tickets

A standard ticket includes access to the centre’s main attractions such as the Antarctic Storm Room, Hägglund Field Trip ride, Little Blue Penguin Rescue habitat, Antarctic galleries, and the 4D theatre experience.

Timings

Plan Your Visit

Getting There

Step into Antarctica, without leaving Christchurch, at this immersive, family-friendly attraction.

Everything you get: Entry to the International Antarctic Center, access to all core exhibits, including the Antarctic storm room, an off-road Hägglund vehicle adventure, the 4D Antarctic experience show, and encounters with rescued Little Blue Penguins (Kororā) and huskies in the cuddle zone.
Why choose this: Brave a simulated Antarctic blizzard and ride an all-terrain Hägglund like real scientists. It’s the closest you’ll get to Antarctica without a passport!

Inclusions #

Entry to the International Antarctic Center, Christchurch
Access to Storm Dome, Penguin Rescue, HD Theatre, 4D Theatre, Hägglunds Field Trip & Husky Zone

Exclusions #

Penguin backstage tour
Food and drinks
Audio guides

What to bring

Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at the entrance.
Dress in comfortable clothing and bring a warm layer, as some exhibits simulate cold Antarctic conditions.
Ensure you have your own transportation to the venue, as transfers are not included.

What’s not allowed

Excess luggage and large bags may incur additional charges or may not be permitted inside.
Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
Hägglund rides are not recommended for visitors with heart conditions, back or neck pain, or if pregnant.
Children under 1.2 meters in height are not permitted on the Hägglund ride. All children must be accompanied by an adult for this activity.

Accessibility

The venue is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Accessible restrooms are available on site.
The experience is near public transportation.

Additional information

Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.
Most travelers can participate in the experience.
The International Antarctic Center is open every day except Christmas Day, from 9am to 4:30pm.
You can stay inside the center as long as you like during operating hours.
Children must be over 1.2 meters tall and accompanied by an adult to participate in the Hägglund ride.
Please allow 1 to 5 hours for your visit to fully enjoy all exhibits and activities.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Step into Antarctica, without leaving Christchurch, at this immersive, family-friendly attraction.

Everything you get: Entry to the International Antarctic Center, access to all core exhibits, including the Antarctic storm room, an off-road Hägglund vehicle adventure, the 4D Antarctic experience show, and encounters with rescued Little Blue Penguins (Kororā) and huskies in the cuddle zone.
Why choose this: Brave a simulated Antarctic blizzard and ride an all-terrain Hägglund like real scientists. It’s the closest you’ll get to Antarctica without a passport!

Inclusions #

Entry to the International Antarctic Center, Christchurch
Access to Storm Dome, Penguin Rescue, HD Theatre, 4D Theatre, Hägglunds Field Trip & Husky Zone

Exclusions #

Penguin backstage tour
Food and drinks
Audio guides

What to bring

Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at the entrance.
Dress in comfortable clothing and bring a warm layer, as some exhibits simulate cold Antarctic conditions.
Ensure you have your own transportation to the venue, as transfers are not included.

What’s not allowed

Excess luggage and large bags may incur additional charges or may not be permitted inside.
Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
Hägglund rides are not recommended for visitors with heart conditions, back or neck pain, or if pregnant.
Children under 1.2 meters in height are not permitted on the Hägglund ride. All children must be accompanied by an adult for this activity.

Accessibility

The venue is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Accessible restrooms are available on site.
The experience is near public transportation.

Additional information

Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.
Most travelers can participate in the experience.
The International Antarctic Center is open every day except Christmas Day, from 9am to 4:30pm.
You can stay inside the center as long as you like during operating hours.
Children must be over 1.2 meters tall and accompanied by an adult to participate in the Hägglund ride.
Please allow 1 to 5 hours for your visit to fully enjoy all exhibits and activities.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

‌

Tickets

Christchurch International Antarctic Center Tickets

Step into Antarctica, without leaving Christchurch, at this immersive, family-friendly attraction.

Everything you get: Entry to the International Antarctic Center, access to all core exhibits, including the Antarctic storm room, an off-road Hägglund vehicle adventure, the 4D Antarctic experience show, and encounters with rescued Little Blue Penguins (Kororā) and huskies in the cuddle zone.
Why choose this: Brave a simulated Antarctic blizzard and ride an all-terrain Hägglund like real scientists. It’s the closest you’ll get to Antarctica without a passport!

‌

Check availability

Flexible duration

Top things to do in Christchurch

Which International Antarctic Centre ticket is best for you?