International Antarctic Centre

I like visiting science museums wherever I travel. Most have the classic exhibits - a meteorite chunk, animal/dinosaur models, plasma balls, and a... Show moreI like visiting science museums wherever I travel. Most have the classic exhibits - a meteorite chunk, animal/dinosaur models, plasma balls, and a room about the local flora and fauna. Here, you will also get to experience sub-freezing temperatures with real wind chill, go "off-roading" in a Hägglund, meet huskies and penguins, learn what explorers had to endure in an inhospitable environment, just to see what was out there, and plenty more to see and touch. There is a free shuttle to/from the Canterbury Museum (in the city center) on a set schedule, a gift shop, and a reasonably priced cafe. It's practically across the street from the airport and adjacent to actual Antarctic research facilities. Show less

klew97

17 May, 2020

You may like the cold weather, but the Storm Dome is as cold as you can get without freezing.. There's a host of attractions at the Antartic... Show moreYou may like the cold weather, but the Storm Dome is as cold as you can get without freezing.. There's a host of attractions at the Antartic Centre, including All Terrain Vehicles and the Huskie Zone. The penguins are good, too. The Centre is about 15 minuts from the centgre of Christchuch by car. Show less

619jeffry

14 May, 2020

The Antarctic Centre is a must when you visit Christchurch. Fantastic displays and history of this amazing part of our world. We loved the ride in... Show moreThe Antarctic Centre is a must when you visit Christchurch. Fantastic displays and history of this amazing part of our world. We loved the ride in the snow mobiles and the experience in the Snow room. and we spent a long time reading all the stories. Totally recommend a visit. Show less

Ron and Lynne H

11 May, 2020

At the International Antarctic Center, an interesting mix of interactive activities are designed to simulate life in Antarctica. We viewed... Show moreAt the International Antarctic Center, an interesting mix of interactive activities are designed to simulate life in Antarctica. We viewed "Ice Voyage", a movie with 3D imagery and 4D special effects such as seat movement, water spray, air bursts, and bubbles! We also donned winter parkas and entered the Storm Dome, where the temperature dropped to -18 C, accompanied by icy blasts of wind. (Welcome to winter in Wisconsin, USA!) In the Husky Zone, we were introduced to the pups and were even encouraged to pet them. The Hagglund Field Trip took us on a 15-minute off-road adventure, outside the building, over rough terrain and "cracks" in the ice. At the Penguin Rescue, we met little Blue Penguins at feeding time and learned about the Center's mission to save them. Finally, the Antarctic Gallery presented facts and figures through various media, including live television feeds from Antarctica. Bare minimum, visitors should plan on spending 2-3 hours at the Center to fully appreciate all of the exhibits and activities. Show less

klvmar

29 Apr, 2020

This was the best experience ever! This place is the official outfitters for Antarctic scientists. So we took the arctic tundra vehicle ride, got... Show moreThis was the best experience ever! This place is the official outfitters for Antarctic scientists. So we took the arctic tundra vehicle ride, got dressed and into a room with weather of a nice spring day of 0 Celsius. And lots more. Gotta do it. Show less

TravelinSuz

28 Apr, 2020