Our Zones
Every ticket includes an Antarctic adventure
Whichever way you choose to explore, your ticket includes access to the International Antarctic Centre’s activities. From riding in a real Hägglunds vehicle and feeling the chill of the Antarctic Storm Experience to meeting huskies and seeing rescued kororā (little penguins), there’s plenty to discover, all included in your admission.
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Antarctica 101
Embark on an immersive audiovisual journey through Antarctica’s deep past, beginning with the ancient supercontinent Gondwana. Experience how the continent evolved into the centre of modern scientific discovery today.
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Hägglunds Field Trip
So you think your commute is rough? You haven’t experienced anything until you’ve buckled up and held on aboard our Hägglunds – our amazing all-terrain amphibious Antarctic vehicle. You’ll feel what it’s like driving across the ice, up and down hills, above crevasses and through water – the end of the road is just the start of your journey.
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Storm Experience
A great poet once said, “What’s cooler than being cool? (It’s) ice-cold.” Chilled to minus 8° Celsius, swept through by a minus 18°C wind, buffeted by a realistic Antarctic storm, this room is definitely cooler than cool. Get ready for a world of chill.
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4D Theatre
Ready to be shaken, jolted, sprayed and amazed? Our 4D theatre has all the thrills, spills and chills in an intense, immersive and in-your-face viewing experience.
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Generation Antarctica
They say no two snowflakes are the same. Watching our crystal-clear HD screen, you just might be able to spot the difference. It’s a massive canvas for you to witness incredible short films. There’s no better way to get the big picture of Antarctica.
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Penguin Rescue
Our Kororā, Little Blue penguins, though the smallest members of our team, are true champions when it comes to their impressive fish-catching skills and their ability to captivate hearts with their irresistible charm. These tiny dynamos are a delight to watch anytime of day as they dart through the water with remarkable agility, showcasing their natural hunting instincts and playful personalities.
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Science Gallery
Antarctica is the coldest, driest and windiest place on earth. It is the 5th largest continent, with 98% of its surface covered in ice. Vast, untouched, at once stunningly beautiful and incredibly dangerous, it has captured imaginations and motivated quests for over a century.
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Meet the huskies
Meet the huskies who bring plenty of personality to the International Antarctic Centre. These dogs have a special connection to Antarctica's history, helping share the story of the sled dogs who supported explorers during the Heroic Age.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a visit to the International Antarctic Centre? Here are some helpful things to know before you arrive.
General Admission includes a range of Antarctic experiences, from exploring Antarctica’s history and future in Antarctica 101, riding in a real Hägglunds vehicle and feeling the chill of an Antarctic storm, to seeing rescued little penguins, meeting the huskies, enjoying an immersive 4D Theatre experience and discovering more about the continent in our Antarctic Science Gallery.
There's plenty for children and adults to enjoy, from seeing rescued little penguins and meeting the huskies to experiencing an Antarctic storm and exploring the world of Antarctic science.
Kids love the huskies, the penguins and touching real snow. Adults tell us they learned far more than they expected about Antarctic science, history and exploration.
Children aged 15 and under must be with an adult. Under-5s visit free.
Some activities, like our Hägglunds Field Trip, have specific height requirements, so check these before your visit.
The Storm Experience recreates the extreme conditions of an Antarctic summer storm. The room stays at around -8°C, with wind chill making it feel as cold as -18°C once the storm begins.
We provide a warm jacket for you to wear, or you’re welcome to bring your own. We recommend wearing closed-toe footwear to keep your feet comfortable.
The storm lasts around five minutes and gets dark, windy and loud. If you need a break, you can leave at any time or take shelter in the igloo inside the room.
Storms run throughout the day, with our team using countdown timers so you know when the next one is due to begin. If you’re visiting with young children who might find the storm a little scary, you can enter the room between storms to explore without experiencing the full effects.
Allow around 2–3 hours to enjoy the International Antarctic Centre's experiences. You may want to allow longer if you're visiting with children or want to spend extra time exploring.
General Admission is self-guided, so you can explore at your own pace. The Antarctic Guided Tour is a two-hour experience led by an Antarctic Guide, with additional stories, insights and information. General Admission is included in the Guided Tour ticket.
Penguin feeding times may vary from day to day. We mix up the timing as part of our animal welfare practices, helping prevent the penguins from becoming too accustomed to a set routine. This keeps things interesting and encourages their natural behaviours.
Check with our ticketing team upon your arrival to find out when feeding is scheduled during your visit.
Yes! The huskies visit the International Antarctic Centre every day, with different groups of dogs coming in throughout the week. They take regular breaks throughout the day to rest and relax, so availability and opportunities to meet them may vary during your visit.
Yes, we're located opposite Christchurch Airport, making us a convenient stop before or after your flight. Remember to allow enough time for your visit, airport check-in and travel.
We are open every day, except Christmas Day: 9am - 4.30pm.
Absolutely! Whether it’s a rainy day or a hot Christchurch summer’s day, most of our experiences are indoors, making the International Antarctic Centre a great option whatever the weather.
Some experiences, including the Hägglunds Field Trip, take place outdoors, so we recommend dressing for the conditions. Rain or shine, there’s plenty to discover at the International Antarctic Centre!
Yes! We offer free luggage storage at the International Antarctic Centre, so you can enjoy your visit without carrying your bags around.
Please note that our luggage storage is a shared space rather than individual lockers. If you're travelling with large items, such as skis or snowboards, or visiting as part of a large group, please email or phone us ahead of time so we can arrange additional space where possible.
The Hägglunds Field Trip has a strict minimum rider height of 1.2 metres, with no exceptions.
Some experiences also have health and safety restrictions. Pregnancy, broken bones, and neck or back problems may affect your ability to take part in the Hägglunds Field Trip or 4D Theatre. The 4D Theatre may also not be suitable for people who experience motion sickness or have light sensitivity.
If you have any health concerns or are unsure whether an experience is suitable for you, please speak to our team before participating.
Yes! The International Antarctic Centre has an on-site café, open daily from 9am to 3.30pm, where you can take a break and grab something to eat or drink during your visit.
Free on-site parking is available for visitors. If our car park is full, you can also use the overflow parking at Spitfire Square, where we have permission for visitors to park.