Experience Antarctica in a New Way!

If you'd love to experience snowy, icy Antarctica or just want to see some cute penguins and huskies, the International Antarctic Centre is the perfect place to visit! Located right by the Christchurch International Airport, the International Antarctic Centre offers an array of experiences that will educate, inspire, and provide you with fun and excitement.

Do you have what it takes to experience an Antarctic storm or ride on a Hägglund through the ice? The International Antarctic Centre offers so many interesting and informative visitor experiences that will make you fall in love with the unique and breathtaking continent of Antarctica, all without leaving Christchurch!

 

Where is the International Antarctic Centre?

The International Antarctic Centre is opposite Christchurch International Airport at 38 Orchard Road, Christchurch, New Zealand. If you're hopping off a plane and are just that excited to come and see penguins and huskies, then collect a car from Omega Rental Cars at 158 Orchard Road, and you'll be there in less than five minutes.

The International Antarctic Centre Christchurch offers free on-site parking and luggage storage. It also has an on-site cafe so visitors can grab a bite to eat and drink before facing a snow storm, participating in penguin feeding, or braving the famously exciting Hägglund ride.

Centre opening hours and key information

The centre is open from 9 am – 4:30 pm, seven days a week! 

To visit, you can book online or purchase tickets in person at the International Antarctic Centre.

General Admission includes access to the Hägglund Tour, Husky Zone, Storm Dome, Penguin Rescue, HD Theatre and 4D Theatre. Tickets for adults are NZD 59. Students, seniors, and children from 5 to 15 years pay $39. A family of 2 adults and up to 3 children pays $159.

The VIP Backstage Penguin Pass (includes General Admission) is $99 per person. Purchase the Ambassador Club Membership to receive unlimited entry for a year.

Omega customers are also in for a treat! Pick up your rental car from Omega and get a discount voucher for the International Antarctic Centre. This discount includes either $15 off Adult or $30 off Family General Admission. It is valid until 30 Sep 2024. 

 

Must-do experiences that give you a glimpse of Antarctica 

Venturing around the International Antarctic Centre provides a sense of excitement, discovery, knowledge and wonder as you immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Antarctica – all without leaving Christchurch. Explore modern-day Antarctica through carefully developed exhibits and interactive, lifelike experiences!

Here are a few exciting activities for the whole family to get involved in at the International Antarctic Centre:

Antarctic Storm Experience

Enjoy interactive science exhibits designed to inspire the next generation of explorers. Delve deeper into the roles Antarctica plays in scientific discovery. Here, you can explore a myriad of interactive activities focused on electricity, astronomy, and technology.

Take a trip to the International Antarctic Centre Storm Dome to see if you can handle being out in the Antarctic! You won't want to forget your puffer jacket, beanie or gloves because it's about to get extremely cold! Brrrrr… In this indoor polar room, you'll be chilled to -8°C before going through an Antarctic summer snowstorm, experiencing real snow as wind chill plummets temperatures to -18°.

This fun Antarctic storm room will have your teeth chattering nonstop! If you feel brave and think you can handle the chill, test your limits and take the Polar Plunge Challenge by immersing your hands in the frigid waters of the Antarctic continent. 

Hägglunds field trip

Are you ready for the ultimate adventure? Hop on board a Hägglund, an all-terrain amphibious vehicle. Hold on tight because it'll be one bumpy ride! This exciting experience will give you a taste of what it feels like to ride off-road through and over the icy Antarctic continent in a vehicle built for the environment. Get the real-deal experience of a scientist travelling on top of Antarctica's ice and even through its water! Make sure to buckle up, but don't worry – the Hägglund drivers are experts and will make this amazing off-road ride safe and fun through the obstacles. 

(Minimum height to ride 1.2m)

Penguin Rescue

Who doesn’t love penguins? Make your trip amazing by visiting the adorable kororā (Little Blue Penguins)! View these inquisitive, flightless 43cm-tall nocturnal birds in an environment that keeps them safe while mimicking their natural habitat. Watch them in the outdoor viewing area or downstairs in the pool auditorium. Feeding times are at 10:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily—visitors won’t want to miss seeing these Little Blue Penguins waddle across the rocks or dive for their food! 

4D Theatre

The International Antarctic Centre has a 4D theatre where you can take a thrilling, action-packed journey to the Antarctic Peninsula on board an ice-strengthened ship. This simulated cruise will have you leaving the theatre with smiles and laughter. After the show concludes, you'll be so engrossed in the experience that you'll forget you were even sitting in a theatre wearing 3D glasses! Be prepared to be amazed by this short film in four dimensions – you may even encounter a few shakes and jolts and even get a little wet! 

Design your own base camp

Scott Base, New Zealand's only Antarctic research station, is located on volcanic headland at the southern end of Ross Island. At the International Antarctic Centre, you can see Scott's Hut and have the opportunity to design your own Scott Base camp. Enter a photo of your work of art for a chance to win a monthly prize.

Experience real-life Antarctica

Discover modern-day Antarctica and its seals, penguins, auroras, ice formations, glaciers, and pressure ridges at the International Antarctic Centre Christchurch! Watch The Climate Canary, a 9-minute short film in which New Zealand filmmaker Vanessa Wells uncovers the wonder of Antarctica. Gain insights into the work that world-leading scientists are undertaking to understand human impact on the continent and the effects of climate change.

Will you join a new generation of global caretakers? How will you help save our planet?

Who is the Centre for?

While the International Antarctic Centre welcomes people of all ages, for safety reasons, the Hägglund and 4D theatre experiences aren't recommended for visitors with heart conditions, back or neck pain, and pregnant women. Instead, we suggest meeting the cute little blue penguins or viewing the Antarctic gallery.

Driving to the International Antarctic Centre?

Book a vehicle from our Omega Christchurch Car Rental Depot and enjoy a three-minute drive to the International Antarctic Centre at 38 Orchard Road, Christchurch, New Zealand. Both are close to Christchurch International Airport, making starting your fun and icy education adventure convenient. 

Experience Antarctica today like never before! 

No matter what your interests are, you'll love visiting the International Antarctic Centre! Immerse yourself in its wide variety of activities and adventures – whether that's experiencing an Antarctic storm, getting up close and personal with Little Blue Penguins and husky dogs, learning about Antarctica's effect on the globe, taking a ride in an all-terrain vehicle, or enjoying a 4D movie full of excitement. Enjoy icy inspiration right within Christchurch City!

Visit the International Antarctic Centre Christchurch now

Lead your own expedition through the icy continent of Antarctica at the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch, New Zealand! Want to know more before you go?

Take a sneak peek of the Centre and watch the video below.

 

For further inspiration and knowledge on fun things to do in New Zealand, visit our helpful blog. Your Christchurch adventure starts right here with Omega!

Book an Omega rental car in Christchurch today!