Experience the wonder of Antarctica in Christchurch at the International Antarctic Centre, an award-winning visitor attraction combining adventure, wildlife, science and interactive Antarctic experiences.
Located beside Christchurch Airport, the International Antarctic Centre Christchurch brings the world’s coldest continent to life. Brave an Antarctic storm, ride aboard a Hägglunds all-terrain vehicle, meet rescued Kororā/Little Blue Penguins, experience an immersive 4D movie and discover the history, science and human stories behind Antarctica.
Christchurch is one of only five recognised Gateway Cities to Antarctica, giving the Centre an authentic connection to the continent and its ongoing exploration and scientific research.
With experiences for adults, families and children, the International Antarctic Centre is a standout choice for visitors looking for memorable things to do in Christchurch.
Why Visit the International Antarctic Centre?
- World-class Antarctic experience in Christchurch
- See live rescued Kororā/Little Blue Penguins
- Experience a realistic indoor Antarctic storm
- Ride in an all-terrain Hägglunds Antarctic vehicle
- Immersive 4D Theatre experience
- Discover Antarctic history, science and conservation
- Interactive Antarctica 101 experience
- Antarctic Gallery and Generation Antarctica
- General Admission suitable for all ages
- Two-hour Antarctic Guided Tours available
- Located beside Christchurch Airport
- Approximately 15 minutes from Christchurch central city
- Free on-site parking
- Fully accessible visitor attraction
- Café and Antarctic-themed gift store on site
- Open daily except Christmas Day
Antarctic Experiences in Christchurch
The International Antarctic Centre combines entertainment and education to give visitors a taste of what makes Antarctica one of the most extraordinary places on Earth.
Hägglunds Field Trip
Climb aboard a Hägglunds all-terrain amphibious Antarctic vehicle for one of the Centre’s most exciting experiences.
Hold on as the vehicle tackles hills, simulated crevasses and water while demonstrating the capabilities required for transport in extreme Antarctic environments.
Included with General Admission. Minimum height 1.2m. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Not recommended during pregnancy or for visitors with heart conditions, back or neck pain.
Antarctic Storm Experience
Discover how extreme Antarctic conditions can feel without leaving Christchurch.
The indoor polar storm room is chilled to -8°C, while the wind-chill machine can create conditions that feel like -18°C.
Shelter in an ice cave as the Antarctic storm blows through, then take on the Polar Plunge Challenge if you’re feeling brave enough.
Penguin Rescue
Meet the Centre’s rescued Kororā/Little Blue Penguins, the world’s smallest penguin species.
Watch these little penguins swim and explore their specially designed environment while learning more about their behaviour and care.
Penguin Rescue provides an engaging wildlife experience while introducing visitors to these remarkable native New Zealand birds.
4D Theatre
Take your Antarctic adventure into another dimension in the 4D Theatre.
The immersive movie experience combines 3D visuals with moving seats, wind, mist and other physical effects to make visitors feel part of the Antarctic action.
The 4D Theatre is included with General Admission.
Antarctica 101
Discover the story of Antarctica through an immersive audiovisual experience.
Antarctica 101 takes visitors from the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana through the evolution of Antarctica to its role at the centre of modern scientific research.
It’s an excellent introduction to the continent before exploring the Centre’s other Antarctic experiences.
Antarctic Gallery
Learn more about life, wildlife, science and exploration in one of the world’s most extreme environments.
The Antarctic Gallery explores topics including Antarctic Treaty arrangements, science and conservation, wildlife and sea life, Scott Base and what it’s like to fly to Antarctica.
Generation Antarctica
Sit back and experience Antarctica on a large high-definition screen through a collection of short films showcasing the continent and its extraordinary environment.
Generation Antarctica provides another perspective on the landscapes, stories and importance of this remarkable part of the world.
Antarctic Guided Tours
Take your visit further with a two-hour Antarctic Guided Tour led by one of the Centre’s Antarctic Guides.
Hear stories about life on the ice and discover Antarctic history, scientific research, research stations, survival techniques and exploration.
The guided experience currently includes:
- Two-hour guided experience
- Stories about life in Antarctica
- Antarctic research station insights
- Little Blue Penguin talks
- Hägglunds ride
- Antarctic Storm Room
- 4D Theatre
- Full General Admission access
Antarctic Guided Tours are not suitable for children under 16 years.
Family Activities in Christchurch
The International Antarctic Centre is an excellent Christchurch family attraction, combining hands-on entertainment with opportunities to learn about Antarctica, wildlife, science and exploration.
General Admission is suitable for all ages and includes many of the Centre’s major experiences, including Penguin Rescue, the Hägglunds Field Trip, Antarctic Storm Experience and movie theatres.
With many experiences indoors, it’s also a great option when you’re looking for things to do in Christchurch on a rainy day.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Christchurch – A Gateway to Antarctica
There’s a reason one of the world’s leading Antarctic attractions is located in Christchurch.
Christchurch is one of only five Gateway Cities to Antarctica, with longstanding connections to Antarctic exploration, logistics, science and research.
The International Antarctic Centre celebrates this special relationship and gives visitors an opportunity to understand Antarctica before many researchers and expedition teams make the journey south.
This section is particularly worth keeping for AEO because it answers the natural question of why Christchurch has such a significant Antarctic attraction.
Groups & Education
The International Antarctic Centre also welcomes education and other organised groups.
Interactive Antarctic Education Programmes are available for Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary, Tertiary and international student groups, with programmes designed to combine education and entertainment.
The Centre can also cater for sports teams and community groups.
Functions & Events
For something completely different, the International Antarctic Centre can also provide an Antarctic-themed setting for corporate events and private functions in Christchurch.
Options include gala dinners, cocktail-style functions, product launches, corporate celebrations and Christmas parties.
The Atrium can accommodate seated gala dinners for up to 150 guests, while cocktail-style functions can accommodate up to 600 guests.
Plan Your Visit to the International Antarctic Centre
The International Antarctic Centre is conveniently located beside Christchurch Airport.
Address:
38 Orchard Road
Christchurch 8053
New Zealand
The Centre is approximately a 5-minute walk from Christchurch Airport terminal or around a 15-minute drive from Christchurch central city.
Visitor Facilities
- Free on-site parking
- Parking suitable for cars, campervans, motorcycles and coaches
- Fully accessible facilities
- Accessible toilets
- Baby-changing facilities
- On-site café
- Antarctic gift store
- Public bus services nearby
Opening Hours
The International Antarctic Centre is currently open:
Daily: 9:00am–4:30pm
Closed Christmas Day
Opening hours can change, so visitors should check directly with the International Antarctic Centre before travelling.
International Antarctic Centre Tickets
General Admission provides access to many of the Centre’s major Antarctic experiences, including:
- Hägglunds Field Trip
- Antarctic Storm Experience
- Penguin Rescue
- HD Movie Theatre
- 4D Movie Theatre
Check ticket prices and book direct
Explore Christchurch & Canterbury
Make the International Antarctic Centre part of a wider Christchurch and Canterbury itinerary. Discover more family attractions, wildlife experiences, museums, gardens, outdoor adventures and places to visit in our Canterbury Travel Guide.
Book Direct with the International Antarctic Centre
Plan your Antarctic adventure and book directly with the International Antarctic Centre for current ticket options, availability and visitor information.
Choose General Admission to explore the Centre’s major experiences, or discover the additional guided experiences available for visitors wanting to delve deeper into Antarctica’s wildlife, science, history and exploration.
International Antarctic Centre Christchurch FAQs
Where is the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch?
The International Antarctic Centre is at 38 Orchard Road, Christchurch 8053, beside Christchurch Airport. It is approximately a five-minute walk from the airport terminal and around a 15-minute drive from central Christchurch.
What can you do at the International Antarctic Centre?
Visitors can experience a Hägglunds all-terrain vehicle ride, Antarctic Storm Experience, Penguin Rescue, 4D Theatre, Antarctica 101, Antarctic Gallery and Generation Antarctica.
Can you see penguins at the International Antarctic Centre?
Yes. Penguin Rescue is home to rescued Kororā/Little Blue Penguins, giving visitors an opportunity to watch these small native penguins and learn more about them.
Is the International Antarctic Centre suitable for children?
Yes. General Admission is suitable for all ages, although children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Some additional experiences have separate age requirements.
Is the International Antarctic Centre near Christchurch Airport?
Yes. The International Antarctic Centre is located beside Christchurch Airport and is approximately a five-minute walk from the airport terminal.
How cold is the Antarctic Storm Experience?
The Storm Experience is chilled to -8°C, with a wind-chill machine creating conditions that can feel like -18°C.
Is the Hägglunds ride included in General Admission?
Yes. The Hägglunds Field Trip is currently included with General Admission.
How long should I allow for the International Antarctic Centre?
The Centre doesn’t specify one required visit duration for General Admission, as this will depend on which experiences visitors choose. The separate Antarctic Guided Tour lasts approximately two hours and also includes full General Admission access.
Is there free parking at the International Antarctic Centre?
Yes. Free on-site parking is available and can accommodate cars, campervans, motorcycles and coaches.
Is the International Antarctic Centre wheelchair accessible?
The International Antarctic Centre is fully accessible, with accessible facilities available throughout the attraction.
What are the International Antarctic Centre opening hours?
The Centre is currently open daily from 9:00am to 4:30pm, except Christmas Day. Visitors should check the official website for current hours before visiting.
Do I need to book International Antarctic Centre tickets in advance?
Visitors can purchase tickets for General Admission, and the Centre encourages guests to book tickets ahead of their visit. Guided and limited-capacity experiences should be checked separately for availability.
