International Antarctic Centre Christchurch

 

Christchurch is approximately only 3825 kilometres from Antarctica and is recognised as the world’s aerial gateway to the Ice. Ever since Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton visited Christchurch in the early 1900s on their way down to the ice, Christchurch has been proudly associated with the Antarctic.
 
Today the International Antarctic Centre Christchurch is a modern day working Antarctic site located directly across from the Christchurch International Airport. The Antarctic base in Christchurch is home to the New Zealand, United States and Italian Antarctic programmes. Most Antarctic missions are planned from this home-base and flights depart to Antarctica weekly during the months of October through to February.
 
The International Antarctic Centre has been judged New Zealand’s best visitor attraction twice with it’s Antarctic Attraction located at the heart of the campus. The attraction is renowned as a fun, exciting and interactive experience for the whole family. Parents and children alike will enjoy watching the snow fall as the four seasons of Antarctica unfold. Exploring our aquarium is a must as it displays some of the actual specimens from the Antarctic Ocean floor in McMurdo Sound! Don’t forget to check out the gallery area which is packed full of informative displays showcasing modern day Antarctica.
 
The Snow & Ice Experience is one of the most popular features of the Antarctic Attraction. The snow and ice in this polar room is real and is made on campus by our very own snowmakers! The Snow & Ice Experience room is a chilling -5 degrees Celsius. People of all ages will enjoy sliding down the icy slope, sheltering in the ice cave, or braving the wind chill machine at -18 degrees Celsius and the ‘Antarctic Storm’ with it’s 40 kilometre winds. The ‘Antarctic Storm’ is complete with stunning lighting and authentic Antarctic blizzard audio. “The Storm” blows every 30 minutes allowing plenty of time for everyone to get ‘exchillarated’. Warm jackets and over shoes are provided. If you’ve never seen snow, or would love an Antarctic experience, The Snow and Ice Experience is a must see!
 
Most people miss out on sharing the magic of the Little Blue penguin due to their nocturnal nature ……UNTIL NOW! The New Zealand Penguin Encounter is New Zealand’s first joint indoor/outdoor penguin viewing area with the capacity to house up to 26 Little Blue penguins in an area naturally themed like the Banks Peninsula environment. The penguins housed here are birds that have been rescued and cared for, some since they were chicks. Many of them would not have survived on their own back in the wild due to physical disabilities that have left them defenceless. Be captivated by the ‘big’ personalities of these little birds.
 
Clamber aboard the remarkable all-terrain amphibian vehicle – the Hagglund, buckle up and experience travelling across terrain in this unique and exhilarating machine! The Hagglund is the only one of its type in the world. Experience for yourself the capabilities of the Hagglund through the demanding demonstrative journey over mounds, up hills, speeding across open ground, and through a pool of water to test the vehicle’s amphibious abilities. The Hugglund is one ride you just don’t want to miss!
 
The fully licensed Cafe is the perfect place to satisfy your appetite after your Antarctic exploration.
 
38 Orchard Road, Christchurch, New Zealand
(right next to Christchurch International Airport)
 
Note: hours subject to change without notice. The Antarctic Attraction is open every day of the year, including Christmas Day, from 9:00am.
 
Summer Hours: October - April 9:00am till 7:00pm
Winter Hours: May - September 9:00am till 5:30pm