Getting Here
The best tourist attraction in Christchurch is just a short sled-ride from the city or a quick penguin waddle from the airport.
To be more precise, the International Antarctic Centre is approximately a 15-minute drive from Christchurch central city or a 5-minute walk across the road from the Christchurch Airport terminal.
38 Orchard Road, Christchurch Airport
Phone: 03 357 0519 | Call Free: 0508 736 4846
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We have plenty of free on-site parking that is suitable for cars, camper vans, motorbikes and coaches. We do not recommend leaving valuables in your parked vehicles.
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The Penguin Express Shuttle is not currently operating.
*Due to COVID-19, we have decided to suspend our Penguin Express Shuttle until further notice.
Have you seen our penguins driving around Christchurch? The Penguin Express is the 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.
The Penguin Express departs from Canterbury Museum at 9.0 0am, 10.00 am, 11.00 am, 12.00 pm, 1.30 pm, 2.30 pm and 3.30 pm daily.
The shuttle departs International Antarctic Centre at 9.30 am, 10.30 am, 11.30 am, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm and 4 pm.
Please note: The Penguin Express is a service only for visitors to the Antarctic Centre.
Hours of Operation
International Antarctic Centre:
Monday – Sunday, 9 am – 4:30 pm
The Cafe:
Monday – Sunday, 9 am – 4:30 pm
Conferences & Events:
Looking to book a conference or event outside of opening hours? Contact [email protected] for more info.
IAC Map:
VISITOR INFO
We’re confident that the memories you make here will last a lifetime. But why take anything to chance? Take a little piece of Antarctica home with you in the shape of a gift, souvenir and memento.
At our retail store, you’ll discover a wide range of not-so-hidden treasures. Be it exciting gifts for friends and family, or a special keepsake for you, there’s always something super-cool or heart-warming to be found on the shelves.
- Hours: Open Daily 9am - 4:30pm
As all good explorers know, you need to keep your engine fueled up to have the energy necessary to move from point A to B. With all the amazing points in our centre you’ll certainly need some delectable fuel to sustain the journey. With indoor and outdoor seating areas, the focus of this café is on delicious, fresh, seasonal food served in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Here you’ll find a range of tasty menu options to fuel your explorations. We pride ourselves on our handcrafted baked goods and, with a number of gluten and dairy-free options, there’s something for everyone (excluding the penguins and huskies – they’ve got their own special diets).
- Hours: Open Daily, 9am - 4:30pm
There are toilets available at the entrance to the attraction as well as in the attraction next to the 4D exit for your convenience.
These are also wheelchair accessible and have baby changing facilities.
We are wheelchair accessible. We have wheelchair lifts to access our meeting rooms on the mezzanine floor and in the attraction to gain access to the penguin viewing area.
Traveling in the Hägglund requires that you are able to board and disembark unassisted. If traveling by car there are 3 designated accessible parking spaces available for your use at the entrance.
Have some luggage to store while you enjoy Antarctica? Ask our friendly ticketing crew and we’ll be happy to help!