Explore the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch
Photo Credit: International Antarctic Centre – https://www.iceberg.co.nz
Explore Antarctica, right here in Christchurch
Journey through modern-day Antarctica and experience a taste of this unique and breathtaking continent at the International Antarctic Centre located near the Christchurch International Airport right in the South Island of New Zealand.
International Antarctic Centre allows you to brave an Antarctic storm, head off-road in a Hägglund, befriend a husky, and mingle with the penguins. Experience Antarctica just like the explorers before you all in a controlled environment.
Come and experience Antarctica with your family and learn about the human impact on the continent, the wildlife, ecosystems, and Antarctica’s effect on the world.
What can I see and experience at the Antarctic Centre?
Christchurch is one of only five official gateway cities to Antarctica in the entire world, giving you a good idea of the scientific importance of this centre. There are many must-see attractions at International Antarctic Centre to explore. It is the perfect place for a fun knowledge-based day with the family and certainly the closest most of us everyday visitors will get to experience Antarctica.
Photo Credit: International Antarctic Centre – https://www.iceberg.co.nz
You’ll discover a new appreciation for this unique white continent right in the Antarctic Centre. One of the centre’s best experiences is breakfast with the penguins, where you are able to enjoy breakfast while watching the centre’s penguin colony through a huge glass window. All the Little Blue Penguins at the Antarctic centre are rescue penguins that are unable to survive in the wild due to injuries.
A journey to the Storm Dome is about as close to Antarctica as you can get to experiencing the sub-zero temperatures of an Antarctic storm. The snow room is filled with real ice, snow and a temperature of -8°C all augmented by a -18°C wind chill machine!
You can design your very own base camp and be in the chance to win a monthly prize when you submit a photo of your own “Scott Base” design. Scott Base is the only Antarctic research station in New Zealand’s Ross Dependency territorial claim and is located on the volcanic headland at the southern end of Ross Island.
Photo Credit: International Antarctic Centre – https://www.iceberg.co.nz
Strap in and buckle up for an enjoyable ride over an obstacle course in the back of Hägglund, despite its bulky nature, it can reach up to 55km/h and can take on any terrain including ice, snow, mud, and water.
Photo Credit: International Antarctic Centre – https://www.iceberg.co.nz
Round off your amazing tour of Antarctica with a cuddle with one of the centre’s furry Huskies, a fascinating walk through the Antarctica Gallery and watch a short 9-minute film giving viewers a captivating view of the research on climate change being done in Antarctica.
How much does it cost?
With the General Admissions tickets, you have access to the Hägglund Tour, Husky Zone, Storm Dome, Penguin Rescue, HD Theatre and 4D Theatre.
Ticket prices for adults are $49 NZD and students, seniors, and children from 5 to 15 years cost $29. A family of 2 adults and up to 3 children pay $119 and seniors and students pay $29.
The VIP Backstage Penguin Pass (includes General Admission) is $69 for adults, $39 for children and $49 for seniors and students. Purchase the Ambassador Club Membership to receive unlimited entry for a year.
You can find more information at https://www.iceberg.co.nz/.
Photo Credit: International Antarctic Centre – https://www.iceberg.co.nz
Book a rental car today for easy transport!
Pegasus Rental Cars Christchurch Airport is just a convenient two-minute drive from the Antarctic Centre – we can’t wait to see you!