Explore the International Antarctic Centre

Located next to Christchurch airport and open 365 days a year, the International Antarctic Centre is a much-loved tourist attraction.

With seven different experiences and three different programmes, be prepared for a fun, chilly, and educational visit that gives a sneak peek into life on the world's southernmost continent.

Experiences

A trip to the International Antarctic Centre is a fun-filled day for all involved, no matter what age bracket you fall into.

Go on an outdoor adventure aboard the Hägglund, an amazing all-terrain amphibious Antarctic vehicle that’s been specifically built to conquer the rough terrain on the ice. Navigate an obstacle course, travel up and down hills, and cross the water aboard this beast.

Experience an Antarctic indoor polar storm in the Storm Dome, where chilly winds reach up to -18 degrees celsius. Every hour a chillingly realistic Antarctic storm blows through, with the option to shelter in an ice cave and experience a sneak peek of what life is like in this magnificent continent (make sure you bring a warm jacket - they’ll provide you with the overshoes!)

Enjoy a series of high-definition short films that highlight the connection between Antarctica and climate change in the Generation Antarctica room, or immerse yourself in a 4D experience in the 4D Theatre.

If you’re after a cuteness overload, experience feeding time with the little blue penguins, or learn about the history and what modern life is like on a continent with 98% of its surface covered in ice in the Antarctic Gallery.

Tickets

The International Antarctic Centre is open 7 days a week from 9 am-4:30 pm. 

The most popular ticket, the General Admission ticket, includes a Hägglund Field Trip, the Husky Zone, Storm Dome, Penguin Rescue, HD Theatre, and 4D Theatre. Infants aged 0-4 are free, children ages 5-15, students, and senior citizens are $29, and an adult is $49.

For those who are also after a VIP backstage pass with the penguins, a child costs $39, a student and senior citizen is $49, and an adult is $69. Make sure you book online here to claim your spot before you go!

Transport

If you’re flying into Christchurch, the International Antarctic Centre is located just a 5-minute walk across the road from the airport. For those driving in from the city, it’s an approximately 15-minute drive, with plenty of free on-site parking.

For those who are wanting to make the most of some free public transport, the Penguin Express is a free shuttle from the city to the Antarctic Centre. The shuttle pick-up and drop-off stop in the city is located outside the Canterbury Museum in Rolleston Ave. It is temporarily suspended due to Level 2, but check back here for more information further down the line.