Step into the world of Antarctica. See, touch, and feel the wonders of the icy continent as you brave an Antarctic storm, see Little Blue Penguins, and ride in an all-terrain Hägglund.

Step into the world of Antarctica. See, touch, and feel the wonders of the icy continent as you brave an Antarctic storm, see Little Blue Penguins, and ride in an all-terrain Hägglund.

Highlights

  • An Antarctic experience for every type of explorer!
  • Penguin Rescue - Spot our rescued Kororā Little Blue Penguins
  • Hagglund Field Trip - Go off-road like an Antarctic explorer
  • Storm Experience - brave a summertime Antarctic storm
  • 4D Theatre - four-dimensional visual experience

With mysterious deep seas, unique creatures and endless icy plains, Antarctica is a land like no other. A fragile place that has drawn the bravest explorers from far and wide, leaving all who visit with a passion to protect this stunning rarity.

The International Antarctic Centre transports a slice of this astounding continent to Christchurch, with a range of immersive experiences that allow everyday visitors to see, touch, feel and fall in love with Antarctica.

Brave a simulated Antarctic storm, go off-road in a Hägglund, spot our rescued Kororā Little Blue Penguins, experience Antarctica from all four dimensions and leave with a head full of knowledge, a heart full of love and inspiration to take action, just like the explorers before you!

Adult $74.00
Child $49.00 (5-15 years old)
Family Pass $199.00 (2 Adult + 2 Children)
Infant $0.00 (0-4 years old)

What's included

  • Hagglund Field Trip
  • Simulated Antarctic Storm
  • Penguin Rescue
  • 4D Extreme Theatre
  • Antarctic Gallery
  • Huskies

Duration

  • Allow approximately 3 hours for the whole experience

Location

  • 38 Orchard Road (between Memorial Ave and Wairakei Road) near Christchurch Airport.

Restrictions

  • All children 14 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Child Friendly

  • This experience welcomes families with children.

Notes

  • Opening hours: The International Antarctic Centre is open 7 days a week, Monday to Sunday, from 9am to 4.30pm. Closed Christmas Day (25 December).

    It is important that you arrive no more than 15 minutes either side of your scheduled visit time as this is a condition of entry with the deal.

    Child price applied to ages 5-15 years. Under 5's are free.

    Hagglund Ride: We do not recommend the Hagglund ride for visitors with heart conditions, back or neck pain, had recent surgery, motion sickness, nervous disposition, or if pregnant. (At times this ride is unavailable, contact the Operator to confirm this ride is available)

    Guests are required to meet a minimum height requirement of 1.2 metres to enjoy this ride.

Available Bookings from30 Mar to 12 Apr 2026

All prices are shown inNZD ($)

Change Dates
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  • Adult$52.00
  • Child$49.00
  • Family Pass$199.00
  • Infant Free of Charge

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  • Adult$52.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$49.00
  • Family Pass$199.00
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  • Adult$52.00
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  • Family Pass$199.00
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  • Adult$74.00
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  • Family Pass$199.00
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  • Adult$52.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$49.00
  • Family Pass$199.00
  • Infant Free of Charge

  • Adult$52.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$49.00
  • Family Pass$199.00
  • Infant Free of Charge

  • Adult$52.00 Less than 6 at this price!
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  • Family Pass$199.00
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  • Family Pass$199.00
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  • Adult$74.00
  • Child$49.00
  • Family Pass$199.00
  • Infant Free of Charge

  • Adult$74.00
  • Child$49.00
  • Family Pass$199.00
  • Infant Free of Charge

  • Adult$74.00
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  • Family Pass$199.00
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  • Adult$74.00
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  • Family Pass$199.00
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  • Adult$74.00
  • Child$49.00
  • Family Pass$199.00
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  • Adult$74.00
  • Child$49.00
  • Family Pass$199.00
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  • Adult$74.00
  • Child$49.00
  • Family Pass$199.00
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  • Adult$74.00
  • Child$49.00
  • Family Pass$199.00
  • Infant Free of Charge

  • Adult$74.00
  • Child$49.00
  • Family Pass$199.00
  • Infant Free of Charge

  • Adult$74.00
  • Child$49.00
  • Family Pass$199.00
  • Infant Free of Charge

  • Adult$74.00
  • Child$49.00
  • Family Pass$199.00
  • Infant Free of Charge

  • Adult$74.00
  • Child$49.00
  • Family Pass$199.00
  • Infant Free of Charge

  • Adult$74.00
  • Child$49.00
  • Family Pass$199.00
  • Infant Free of Charge

  • Adult$74.00
  • Child$49.00
  • Family Pass$199.00
  • Infant Free of Charge

Bookings close in 5 hours...

  • Adult$66.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$49.00
  • Family Pass$199.00
  • Infant Free of Charge

  • Adult$52.00
  • Child$49.00
  • Family Pass$199.00
  • Infant Free of Charge

  • Adult$52.00
  • Child$49.00
  • Family Pass$199.00
  • Infant Free of Charge

  • Adult$74.00
  • Child$49.00
  • Family Pass$199.00
  • Infant Free of Charge

  • Adult$52.00
  • Child$49.00
  • Family Pass$199.00
  • Infant Free of Charge

  • Adult$74.00
  • Child$49.00
  • Family Pass$199.00
  • Infant Free of Charge

  • Adult$52.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$49.00
  • Family Pass$199.00
  • Infant Free of Charge

  • Adult$52.00
  • Child$49.00
  • Family Pass$199.00
  • Infant Free of Charge

  • Adult$66.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$49.00
  • Family Pass$199.00
  • Infant Free of Charge

  • Adult$52.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$49.00
  • Family Pass$199.00
  • Infant Free of Charge

  • Adult$52.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$49.00
  • Family Pass$199.00
  • Infant Free of Charge

  • Adult$74.00
  • Child$49.00
  • Family Pass$199.00
  • Infant Free of Charge

  • Adult$74.00
  • Child$49.00
  • Family Pass$199.00
  • Infant Free of Charge

  • Adult$52.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$49.00
  • Family Pass$199.00
  • Infant Free of Charge
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Authenticated Reviews

Real highlights, tips, and the helpful advice straight from Bookme customers who’ve actually done this experience, summarised with AI support

  • emergencyCustomers loved the interactive experiences, especially the Hagglund ride and the Antarctic storm simulator (45 people said this).
  • emergencyMany praised the adorable Little Blue Penguins and enjoyed the opportunity to see them up close (38 people said this).
  • emergencyThe friendly and knowledgeable staff received high marks for their helpfulness and enthusiasm (30 people said this).
  • emergencyVisitors found the overall experience to be fun and educational, suitable for all ages (25 people said this).
  • emergencyThe 4D theatre was a hit, with many enjoying the immersive experience it provided (20 people said this).
  • emergencyOverall, guests felt the experience was well worth the price, especially with discounts available (15 people said this).
  • star_shineMake sure to wear warm clothing for the storm room experience.
    Plan to spend a few hours to fully enjoy all the activities.
5 Stars
1814
4 Stars
437
3 Stars
128

4.6

2480 reviews

Showing all 2480 authenticated Bookme reviews

Michael Jujnovich from New Zealand wrote on 29 March 2026

Gateway to Antarctic

My second visit, but a whole new experience, well worth going. Excellent displays, the 4 D theater not to be missed.

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Sally Tims from New Zealand wrote on 28 March 2026

Interesting and varied.

I particularly liked the variety of exhibits which maintained our interest, and must mean that there would be something for everyone. The staff were helpful and lovely about it.

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Sara Davis from New Zealand wrote on 28 March 2026

Great experience

I had an amazing time at the International Antarctic Centre. It was a great experience—very informative with so many things to see and do. It’s truly suitable for all ages, whether you’re going with family or just exploring on your own. My favourite part was definitely the penguins and the 4D movie—both were unforgettable and really brought the Antarctic experience to life. The Hägglund ride was also a lot of fun and gave a cool sense of what it’s like to travel across icy terrain. Right from the moment you walk in, the movie room does a fantastic job of setting the scene and providing really interesting background information. And the cold room—what an experience! It gives you a real feel for Antarctic conditions and is something you shouldn’t miss. Overall, I highly recommend it—an engaging, fun, and educational experience all in one.

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Donna Lacey from New Zealand wrote on 27 March 2026

Amazing experience

Absolutely enjoyed visiting the International Antarctic Centre a definite must if you are visiting Christchurch

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bevwiens from Canada wrote on 26 March 2026

Amazing day experiencing the Antartic

It was a lovely day. The entire Center is well thought out and has so much information. Self guided allowed us to go at our own pace and take in everything. The 4D show was the BEST! The "cold" chamber was fun - as Canadians -15 is a nice day in the winter. But still excellent.

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Booking

10:00 a.m.Thursday 13 July

12

Adult

Child 5-15 years old

Family Pass 2 Adult + 2 Children

Infant * 0-4 years old

*This option must be made together with another price type.
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