International Antarctic Centre
International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch: Hours, Address, International Antarctic Centre Reviews: 4.5/5
International Antarctic Centre
International Antarctic Centre
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
It's the ultimate Antarctic adventure! Experience the dramatic seasonal lighting in the four seasons of Antarctica show where it 'snows' every 6 minutes. Venture out on to 'the ice' from Scott Base to play in 'Antarctica' the snow & ice experience and survive an Antarctic storm! How long can you hold your hand in the icy Antarctic water? Hang out with Little Blue Penguins, buckle up for the famously exciting Hagglund ride, take an awesome simulated 4D Antarctic cruise, watch Happy Feet 4D, then watch a stunning movie on a MASSIVE screen! It's the closest you'll get to Antarctica without mounting your own expedition!
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
Features animals
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from NZ$49.00
All you need to step foot in the door.
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4.5
2,754 reviews
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Kiwiscot
1 contribution
Apr 2022 • Family
We visited and did the VIP penguin experience. Staff were so friendly, we had the best day thank you
Written 16 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
RealNZsales
Thank you for coming! We're so glad you enjoyed the VIP penguin experience. Hopefully the little penguins were on their best behaviour. :)
Written 20 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
zhuhai2007
Christchurch, New Zealand48,489 contributions
Apr 2022
Embarrassed to say I had never been before - waiting for my grandchildren to be old enough to enjoy it - and they certainly di. It was MUCH better than I was expecting. Without planning, we timed our visit just right & went straight onto the Haagland ride which was just scary enough give an adrenaline rush. Superb staff made sure we saw everything. Straight on to Penguin feeding , then the "4-D" theatre which enthralled the kids. Highlight for the kids was patting the huskies.
Written 8 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
RealNZsales
You're never too old for the Antarctic Centre! There's an experience for everyone (but the huskies are always a crowd favourite). Thank you for bringing the family to visit. It was lovely meeting you.
Written 20 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia10,373 contributions
Dec 2021
The International Antarctic Centre is on the outskirts of Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand's South Island, There are lots of things to do; among the most interesting sights are the Blue Penguins. You can take a ride in the Hagglunds, which are all-terrain vehicles, used in Antartica. The International Antarctic Centre is well worth a visit; allow hal a day.
Written 10 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
RealNZsales
Thank you so much for your review. There is so much to do at the International Antarctic Centre and it sounds like you covered it all.
Written 21 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Christine Gibsob
2 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
A great place to visit. We did the VIP backstage pass which was so worth it. A must see when in Christchurch.
Written 8 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
RealNZsales
Thank you for taking the time to write a review. Great to hear you enjoyed the VIP backstage pass as well as it does give you a good look at the penguin habitat.
Written 21 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
flyingeagle2223
Dunedin, New Zealand317 contributions
Jan 2022
I absoulety loved coming here, was one of the main things me and my friends wanted to do when we planned our christchurch trip. The whole thing was just amazing, even getting to have an included ride on the Huggland which I found so much fun and would ride those so many times again.
I loved the penguins and especially the little husky puppies <3
I loved the penguins and especially the little husky puppies <3
Written 27 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Roberta B
16 contributions
Feb 2022
We had not been here before, in all our times we have visted Christchurch. It is well worth a visit, although we did feel that it was a little too expensive. The 4D movie is really good. We spend a good while walking around this complex The Antarctic Storm room was good, really really cold.
Written 21 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Louise2153
Adelaide, South Australia, Australia46 contributions
Fantastic place to visit except the cafe
The cafe is disgraceful: they wanted to charge $5 for 100ml of cold milk for a toddler bottle. We would have eaten there after, didnt out of principal. Absoutely appaling even other patrons was like that isnt right!
It put down a great day down to to a bad experience.
The cafe is disgraceful: they wanted to charge $5 for 100ml of cold milk for a toddler bottle. We would have eaten there after, didnt out of principal. Absoutely appaling even other patrons was like that isnt right!
It put down a great day down to to a bad experience.
Written 5 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
cpcog
Wellington, New Zealand1,329 contributions
Jan 2022
This is a place suitable for everyone! It is entertaining and informative. You can learn a lot about Antarctic by different activities.
Don't forget to bring the student ID card if the kids are over 15 years old. It will be $20 cheaper!
The staffs at the counter are very friendly and welcoming.
After getting the tickets, the first thing to do would be Hägglund Field Trip. My daughter likes this 10-minute ride very much. She found it is exciting and fun.
Once you enter the entrance, you will be asked to take photos in 2 poses. Free digital photos can be received at the end of the visit. If you want, you can have the print out photos with some money.
Then, it will be the husky area. There were 4 husky dogs on our visit. We are asked to pat them carefully. Only one bubble is allowed every time. So, we couldn't stay with the dogs for too long while we don't want the other waiting. In fact we would love to return to the husky area but it seems we better follow the route of the visit.
The Storm Dome is an interesting experience for us too. It is always -8C inside without the storm. When the storm is coming, the temperature will drop to -18C! The sound of the storm was rather scary in my opinion. I don't want to experience real snow storm! Remember to bring your own coats or jackets! Due to covid, guests won't have any jackets to borrow as before. If you want to stay inside for a longer time, maybe you should prepare gloves and scarf as well. Everyone must wear the shoe covers before going in.
4D theatre was ok but not the best honestly. Anyway, it was still cool to watch the "movie" with some effects, as water and movement.
After the 4D theatre, the staff would lead people to the penguin escape directly (3pm). Although it was a busy day, we could still get a good spot to see the penguins swimming and eating. The guide would suggest everyone to go to another spot to see the feeding section afterward. She explains a lot about the penguins. She has very good knowledge to share.
There were some other movies and information in different areas. So, people can spend a few hours in the Antarctic Centre.
While it is closed to the airport, you may choose to go there after arriving Christchurch or just before leaving.
The tickets are not cheap but I think it is worth to go. There should be penguin encounter but it was fully booked on our visit day. If you really want to get closer to the penguins, I suggest you to book the tickets online before going.
Don't forget to bring the student ID card if the kids are over 15 years old. It will be $20 cheaper!
The staffs at the counter are very friendly and welcoming.
After getting the tickets, the first thing to do would be Hägglund Field Trip. My daughter likes this 10-minute ride very much. She found it is exciting and fun.
Once you enter the entrance, you will be asked to take photos in 2 poses. Free digital photos can be received at the end of the visit. If you want, you can have the print out photos with some money.
Then, it will be the husky area. There were 4 husky dogs on our visit. We are asked to pat them carefully. Only one bubble is allowed every time. So, we couldn't stay with the dogs for too long while we don't want the other waiting. In fact we would love to return to the husky area but it seems we better follow the route of the visit.
The Storm Dome is an interesting experience for us too. It is always -8C inside without the storm. When the storm is coming, the temperature will drop to -18C! The sound of the storm was rather scary in my opinion. I don't want to experience real snow storm! Remember to bring your own coats or jackets! Due to covid, guests won't have any jackets to borrow as before. If you want to stay inside for a longer time, maybe you should prepare gloves and scarf as well. Everyone must wear the shoe covers before going in.
4D theatre was ok but not the best honestly. Anyway, it was still cool to watch the "movie" with some effects, as water and movement.
After the 4D theatre, the staff would lead people to the penguin escape directly (3pm). Although it was a busy day, we could still get a good spot to see the penguins swimming and eating. The guide would suggest everyone to go to another spot to see the feeding section afterward. She explains a lot about the penguins. She has very good knowledge to share.
There were some other movies and information in different areas. So, people can spend a few hours in the Antarctic Centre.
While it is closed to the airport, you may choose to go there after arriving Christchurch or just before leaving.
The tickets are not cheap but I think it is worth to go. There should be penguin encounter but it was fully booked on our visit day. If you really want to get closer to the penguins, I suggest you to book the tickets online before going.
Written 4 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lathkill
Auckland Central, New Zealand1,090 contributions
Dec 2021
Very informative about a very wide range of subjects. Plenty for everyone to enjoy. Try out the 4D theatre.
Written 2 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
BecsGNZ
Auckland, New Zealand85 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
Great experience. Easy to get to by public transport. Make sure you see 4D film. It’s worth the wait. Seeing the huskies was amazing.
Written 31 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Paradise40987506178
Auckland, New Zealand
Will the entry fee cover all activies inside the centre
Siubhan Mcphail
Dunedin, New Zealand22 contributions
Or sure went of course trip , I think u pay extra to feed the penguins . Sorry
Trayeling Tan
Singapore, Singapore42 contributions
Hi,
1. How much time do I need to enjoy everything in International Antarctica Centre?
2. I have a family of 9-10paxes, do I need to book in advance or I can walk in anytime?
3. Any shuttle service from Christchurch central?
Thank you!
Paul E
Melbourne, Australia118 contributions
Hi. I think you really need a couple of hours at least. The activities are short - 20 minutes or so but there are a few including a movie, the storm room and vehicle ride among others. I don’t think you can pre-book the activities but with your group size I suggest you get a time slot allocated for the vehicle ride straight away. I had a rental car so drive there but there is a shuttle from the centre. It is very close to the airport too - 5 minute walk. Check their website for the ‘getting here’ page.
What is the approximate amount of time to spend There?
Leanne V
Sydney, Australia5 contributions
We spent about 3 hours there. When you arrive they will advise a couple of set times for activities such as the truck ride, the 4D film and the Antartica Room. That helped spread the visit out and we visited the other exhbiitions around that.
We also had a light lunch at the café during the visit, so that spread the time a little longer.
Is there a price difference booking online vs turning up on the day?
gungho-traveller
28 contributions
up to 20%-40% cheaper for adults if book thru bookme (strongly advised but no discount for child) on certain days and times. If no discount on your day/time of visit, book via their website, a bit cheaper OR look for 10% off coupon for adult & child admission in travel brochures or ARRIVAL magazine at airport if turning up on the day.
What is the easiest way for my family to get here from a cruise ship in port at Akaroa for the day?
Allgoodthyngs
Shrewsbury, UK1,702 contributions
Check the Akaroa Shuttle availability with Viator. the shoreshipsandtours com website might also offer info on bookings. If it was me I'd hire a car, plenty to see and do along the way a fabulous drive, maybe do an overnight in Christchurch. The city centre and cathedral are a must see too. Have fun!
Hi,
Is there a discount for Christchurch residents?
Try bookme for discounts
underwoodvi
Bedfordshire, UK
Did they play antsrctica at the exhibition?
Kiran
Bengaluru, India68 contributions
They don’t play any videos about Antarctica. But there is a simulation room where they have created the wind speed and temperature as like Antarctica and they will provide special jackets to feel the climate there.
hannahclare2018
Christchurch, New Zealand
HI i was just wondering with online tickets did they post them out to you or were they Eticktes (emailed) ?? its not very clear on
the website and i kind of want to know before i purchase them.
thanks
Hannah
Elcowen75
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam27 contributions
Hello,
I bought my ticket at the actual place as I didn't know about this till I got there.
You should be able to buy tickets on line in advance.
I hope you get to see the museum
wilsonl274
Te Atatu, New Zealand
Any free car park over there？
IntlAntarcticCentre
Christchurch, New Zealand
Yes we have free parking for those visiting the attraction.
Thanks,
Lisa
AndraYo
Tokyo, Japan1,271 contributions
Is there lockers for large international suitcases?
johnC4806NT
Christchurch, New Zealand18 contributions
I'm pretty certain they have lockers or a luggage storage room. Its only a 5 min walk from the International Terminal so if you checked in early you could leave your bags at the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions about International Antarctic Centre
- International Antarctic Centre is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- International Antarctic Centre admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost $49.79, while a popular guided tour starts around $151.12 per person. See all 5 International Antarctic Centre tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- International Antarctic Centre can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 5 International Antarctic Centre tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near International Antarctic Centre:
- (0.16 km) Sudima Christchurch Airport
- (0.20 km) JUCY Snooze Christchurch Airport
- (0.56 km) Novotel Christchurch Airport
- (1.23 km) Commodore Airport Hotel Christchurch
- (1.64 km) Airport Palms Motel
- Restaurants near International Antarctic Centre:
- (0.05 km) Priestley's
- (0.18 km) The Coffee Club
- (0.25 km) Little India
- (0.20 km) Acheron
- (0.28 km) Lone Star Spitfire