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Quick Information

ADDRESS

Corner Roy Place and, Orchard Road, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch 8052, New Zealand

RECOMMENDED DURATION

3 hours

Timings

09:00–16:30

TICKETS

From $43.58

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Plan your visit

Did you know?

The International Antarctic Centre is one of the few attractions in the world where visitors can experience a simulated Antarctic storm with real snow, freezing temperatures, and powerful winds indoors.

It features real Hägglund vehicles used in Antarctic expeditions, giving visitors an authentic look at how researchers travel across extreme icy landscapes.

The Penguin Rescue programme cares for injured Little Blue Penguins that cannot survive in the wild, making it both an attraction and a conservation facility.

Why visit the International Antarctic Centre?

Visitors enjoying snow in the storm room at the International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch.
Hägglunds vehicle on a hill at the International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Staff member feeding a Little Blue Penguin at the International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch.
Children engaging with "The Orrery" exhibit at the International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch.
Hägglund vehicle outside International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch, New Zealand.
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Immersive Antarctic experiences

Step into the Antarctic Storm Room to feel sub-zero temperatures and powerful winds that recreate real Antarctic conditions.

Ride the Hägglund all-terrain vehicle

Climb aboard a rugged Antarctic transport vehicle and experience steep slopes and icy terrain on a thrilling simulated field trip.

See rescued little blue penguins

Watch the smallest penguin species swim and dive in the centre’s penguin rescue habitat, where injured birds are rehabilitated.

Interactive science exhibits

Discover how scientists live and work in Antarctica through hands-on displays, equipment demonstrations, and research stories.

Family-friendly attraction near the airport

Located minutes from the airport, the centre offers a fun and educational stop for families, travellers, and curious explorers.

What to see at the International Antarctic Centre?

Antarctic storm room

Experience a simulated Antarctic blizzard where temperatures drop to about –8 °C with wind chills reaching –18 °C, recreating the harsh polar environment explorers face.

Hägglund field trip ride

Climb aboard a real Antarctic all-terrain vehicle and tackle steep slopes, icy hills, and water obstacles to simulate travel across the frozen continent.

Little blue penguin rescue habitat

Watch rescued kororā (Little Blue Penguins) swim and dive while learning about their rehabilitation and conservation stories.

4D theatre experience

Enjoy a short Antarctic-themed film enhanced with moving seats, wind, mist, and other special effects that create a fully immersive experience.

Antarctic gallery

Explore exhibits about Antarctic wildlife, conservation efforts, and life at research stations like Scott Base.

Generation Antarctica

Watch large-screen short films and visual presentations that showcase Antarctica’s landscapes, wildlife, and scientific discoveries.

Antarctica 101 experience

An immersive audiovisual journey explaining Antarctica’s geological past, from the ancient supercontinent Gondwana to modern scientific research.

Nearby attractions to see from from the International Antarctic Centre

Rose garden with Cuningham House at Botanic Gardens Conservatory, Christchurch.

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

About 20 minutes away, these historic gardens feature native plants, river walks, seasonal flower displays, and peaceful picnic spots.

Canterbury Teece Museum exterior in Christchurch, New Zealand, showcasing Gothic architecture.
Gondola ride over hills with view of Lyttelton Harbour, Christchurch.
Kiwi bird walking on forest floor in New Zealand.
Rhino walking at Vinpearl Safari, Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam, with forest backdrop.

Frequently asked questions about the International Antarctic Centre

The centre is known for immersive Antarctic experiences, including the Antarctic Storm Room, Hägglund ride, Little Blue Penguin Rescue habitat, and interactive polar science exhibits.

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Timings

Plan Your Visit

Getting There