International Antarctic Centre
International Antarctic Centre things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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This is a must have experience while in Christchurch that takes you to the Antarctic through various close to actual simulations. Ideally two and a half hours will be enough to go through the center, be part of all experiences, and read up on the information available. Would recommend buying the ticket with the Haggled vehicle experience that is only $5 above the general admission price. Would also highly recommend to time your visit so that you are able to view the penguin feeding that takes places at 10 AM and 3 PM daily. This place is at almost a walking distance from airport, so if you have a 4 hour layover between flights, come and visit this space. Below is the detailed guide on experiences available: 1. Storm Room: A simulation of average Antarctic conditions. The average room temperature is -8 Celsius. You are provided with foot covers and jackets to go inside. The storm simulation takes places every 30 minutes and is one of a kind experience, where the temperature drops to - 18 Celsius as an Antarctic storm is simulated through strong cold winds. 2. Penguin Feeding: This takes places at 10 AM and 3 PM daily. You can watch the guide not only feeding penguins but also providing a highly informative commentary on the penguins. Here you get to see the Penguins up close in their most active situations. 3. 4D Theatre: A 4D movie is played for 12 minutes documenting the journey to and life at Antarctic. The seats in the theatre move with the experience on screen, while all visuals are depicted in real life through blowing of wind and splashing of water. The movie runs after every thirty minutes. 4. The Drive: you will experience a ride on the special automobile named Hagglund used in the Antarctic. They buckle you up and drive you around various terrains encountered in the Antarctic. This is a 15 minute experience and the rides leave every 30 minutes from outside the main entrance. 5. Huskies: There are 5 rescue huskies in the center who are brought outside on different intervals during the day. You can pet the huskies and take pictures with these adorable animals. 6. Exhibits: There are many exhibits and short movies, auctions in various parts across the center showing evolution of human journey to Antarctic, the life there, means of transport, and how the people survive there. A lot of interactive screens where you can also watch live webcams from various country stations in the Antarctic. 7. Gift Shop: This shop is at the end of the experience and you can buy a wide variety of souvenirs relating to the Antarctic. The prices however are slightly higher. There is also an adjacent cafe for snacks and beverages. 8. Parking: There is a free parking lot next to the Antarctic center, which is super spacey and convenient.
Avais SheraniAvais Sherani
00
It was great to visit the International Antarctic Centre again after 29 years! There were some standout experiences—like the penguin feeding and the chance to step inside a mock aircraft with an old-school video playing inside. Honestly, it’s probably the same video I watched 29 years ago—which gave me a good laugh! The storm room was fun, with wind chill temperatures dropping to -25°C. That said, there were definitely some underwhelming aspects. The huskies looked completely bored out of their minds, which was quite sad to see. The whole place feels like it’s trying to appeal to everyone—kids, teens, adults, international tourists—but doesn’t quite hit the mark for any particular group. I would never pay full price for this experience. Thankfully, we booked tickets through BookMe, which made it considerably cheaper than purchasing on the day. A few things to note for families: the layout isn’t stroller-friendly and can feel crammed at times. It’s not the easiest to navigate, especially during busier periods. One recommendation I’d make is to create a designated breastfeeding area. When we asked about family-friendly spaces, we were told to try the private function area upstairs, but mixed communication led to staff questioning our presence there, which was awkward. Also, the baby change room sign says it’s for “disabled people or females with a baby,” which really needs updating for inclusivity. If you want to soak up the full experience—meaning read every single word on the walls and take in all the exhibits—you’ll want to allow 2–3 hours. I’d recommend arriving early. But for families or casual visitors, you might get through it much faster. If I’m ever going to return, they’d need to improve the layout, be more inclusive, and cater more clearly to different demographics. If you want children to come and connect with the experience, offer more interactives, find ways to truly engage them, and bring some passion into the storytelling—help them become guardians of tomorrow. The one big takeaway from today is that Christchurch has a lot of fun and reasonably priced activities. This could be one of them, with just a little more care.
RoyceRoyce
00
Unfortunately I went wrong day and time to visit. People staying at same motel had been a few days earlier and said it was great and went round twice, so thought I'd go. Unfortunately they hadn't mentioned I needed to be there at a certain time and on particular days to see everything and I hadn't bothered to check on google as I just went on what they'd told me. Only day I could go was Wednesday morning, so missed out on the Huskies (not there Wed/Thurs?). Also missed out on penguin feeding as got there 20min too late (be there well before 1030am if going in morning). By time I'd stopped and looked at the penguins (rescues that can't be released back into the wild) and a few other things inside was 5 mins late for the 4D show and they'd locked the door so missed that too. (they do say it happens in threes, lol). Best bit while there was the hagglund ride outside and only paid $30, I think because penguin feeding had already finished and no huskies either. Would I go back, probably not, but could be an entertaining morning for families with young kids.
wyldecreationswyldecreations
00
An amazing experience that encapsulates the arctic experience. The centre has a lot of things that are fun to do. You can experience the ice cold temperatures in a special room that even simulates a storm. A lot of information is presented about the arctic, arctic expeditions, wildlife and many other things. There is a 4D movie that is fun to watch and experience. There is also lots of animal fun. Watching pinguins in their nest and during feeding time was such a cool experience. The handlers are also really nice and love to chat. The same goes for the huskies. They bring them out and tell a nice story about them whereafter you can pet them. They are used to all the humans so they are very relaxed. There is also the Hägglunds ride, a Swedish arctic vehicle that will take you on a fun ride. Do make sure to hold on tight if you are in the back as the ride can get bumpy. Overall such a fun experience for anyone interested in the arctic, animals or is just looking for a fun way to spend their day.
Vincent BeurskensVincent Beurskens
00
Great place to spend a lazy afternoon or a whole day. Managed to get a student discount so plus points. Started off with a Hagglund ride outside that tries to simulate how travelling in the Antarctic is. It's a jolty ride and not recommended for people with joint and muscular issues. Next came feeding the penguins which is done twice a day around 10am and 3pm so dont miss it. Be mindful that you can watch the show from both the lower deck showing underwater feeds and from the top deck too. The staff are extremely helpful and friendly which makes the experience fun. The place is also very informative with fossils, simulations, gizmos about life in Antarctica. Dont forget to watch the 4D movies. There is no set way to do the activities and the best way is to ask the friendly ladies at the front desk to customize your visit so you dont miss the scheduled programs. Almost forgot, the storm room is also a great experience and offers opportunities for cool pics.
Shan PadarathShan Padarath
00
A very good place to visit, very informative about the climate, life and research on the continent of Antarctica. As we were told that the north shore of Antarctica is only 2000 km from New Zealand's south island, this is the right place for an Antarctic center. We were also told that the small penguins of Antarctica are only found in New Zealand because they can swim this short distance owing to their small size. This center also works as a rescue and care for small penguins. These penguins are so cute kids love watching them fed and swimming and walking with there cute small legs. There is a snow room there to acquaint people of the freezing temperatures of Antarctica. And exhibition of the fossils found and stuffed replicas of animals on Antarctica. Also the equipments used and the transportation used by scientists on Antarctica. A place worth visit in Christchurch.👌🏼👍🏻
Sagar GosaviSagar Gosavi
00
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Address
Corner Roy Place and, Orchard Road, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch 8052, New Zealand
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Phone
+64 3 357 0519
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Website
iceberg.co.nz
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Reviews
Overview
4.4
(1.6K reviews)
Ratings & Description
entertainment
educational
family friendly
accessibility
Description
The International Antarctic Centre is a visitor attraction and public science discovery centre in the suburb of Harewood, Christchurch, New Zealand.
attractions: Christchurch International Airport, LyLo Christchurch, Sudima Christchurch Airport, Woolworths Christchurch Airport, Novotel Christchurch Airport, Air New Zealand Christchurch Domestic Lounge, Antarctica New Zealand, Manaia Lounge at Christchurch International Airport, Air New Zealand Christchurch International Lounge, New Zealand The Gift - Christchurch Airport, restaurants: BurgerFuel Spitfire Square, McDonald's Christchurch Airport, Lone Star Spitfire (Airport), The Coffee Club Spitfire Square, KFC Christchurch Airport, Little India Spitfire, Taichi Restaurant, SuRa Teppanyaki, Mexicali Fresh Spitfire Square, Coffee Culture Christchurch Airport
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