International Antarctic Centre
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Why go
- Rides in a Swedish-made Hägglunds all-terrain vehicle, outside the centre
- The Storm Experience, an Antarctic snow storm room where visitors feel an icy chill
- Husky dogs to meet on site, at visitor meetups
Opening hours
Today09:00 – 16:30Show all
Know before you go
- Open every day of the week, from 09:00 to 16:30.
- Located at 38 Orchard Road, Christchurch Airport.
- Student admission requires a valid student ID.
- Child tickets for ages 5 to 15 must be booked together with at least one adult.
What's inside
- Antarctic exhibits covering Antarctic science missions
- Audiovisual display
- 4D Theatre
- Bar
With kids
- Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
- The family pass covers up to two adults and two children. Extra children can be added to it.
- Visitors can meet little penguins at the little blue penguins exhibit.
- Visitors can meet husky dogs and ride a Hägglunds all-terrain vehicle outside the centre.
Tips for your visit
- A membership gives unlimited visits to the centre for one year.
- The café has indoor and outdoor seating. The gift store sells Antarctic-inspired gifts, souvenirs and keepsakes.
- Questions can be sent by email to [email protected] or by phone to +64 3 357 0519.
Tours and audio guides
- Guided tour led by Antarctic Guides
- 2 hours (120 min) Storytelling and expert insight into living and working in the coldest, driest, windiest place on Earth.
Interesting facts5
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The architect sees the building as fan-shaped solids, like large wedges of ice.
International Antarctic Centre - Wikipedia -
Christchurch is one of five cities known as a Gateway to Antarctica.
Homepage | International Antarctic Centre -
The centre shares its campus with the Antarctic programme bases of New Zealand, the United States and Italy.
International Antarctic Centre - Wikipedia -
625 children
For its 10th anniversary, 625 children tried for the world record for the biggest birthday card.
International Antarctic Centre - Wikipedia -
The Hägglunds route has a mock 1.2-metre crevasse on it.
International Antarctic Centre - Wikipedia
History
The Christchurch Airport company built it.
- 1990First stage opened as offices and warehouse storage for Antarctic programmes.
- 1992Second stage opened as the Antarctic visitor centre, built as a tourism venture.
- 1999First Hägglunds all-terrain vehicle arrived; over 27,000 people rode it within a year.
- 2001A second Hägglunds vehicle joined the rides.
- 2003A three-minute simulated Antarctic blizzard room opened.
Show all
- 2006A penguin encounter opened.
- 2008The first little blue penguin chick was born.
- 2011Visitor numbers dropped after the Christchurch earthquake; annual passes and discounted family tickets were offered to local visitors.
How to get there
- 15 minCarAbout a 15-minute drive from the central city. The address is 38 Orchard Road, Christchurch Airport.
- 5 minOn footA 5-minute walk across the road from the airport terminal.
- BusThe No. 8 bus stops right outside the centre.
- ParkingFree on-site parking for cars, campervans, motorbikes and coaches.
Accessibility
- Fully accessible The centre is fully accessible, so everyone can enjoy the experience.
- Toilet Accessible toilets are at the entrance and near the 4D Theatre exit.
- Parking Free on-site parking is available.
Sources: International Antarctic Centre - Wikipedia · Christchurch - Wikivoyage (see) · Homepage | International Antarctic Centre · Ticket Information | International Antarctic Ce… · Visitor Information | International Antarctic C… · checked 25 Oct 2026
- Website
- iceberg.co.nz/
- Phone
- +64 3 357 0519
Questions and answers
How long does a visit to the International Antarctic Centre take?
The guided tour led by Antarctic Guides lasts two hours. The centre is open every day from 09:00 to 16:30, so you can plan the visit within those hours.
What are the opening hours of the International Antarctic Centre?
The International Antarctic Centre is open every day of the week, from 09:00 to 16:30. It is at 38 Orchard Road, Christchurch Airport.
How do I get to the International Antarctic Centre from Christchurch?
It is about a 15-minute drive from the central city. The No. 8 bus stops right outside the centre, and it is a 5-minute walk across the road from the airport terminal.
Is parking free at the International Antarctic Centre?
Yes, parking is free on site for cars, campervans, motorbikes and coaches.
Can children visit the International Antarctic Centre?
Yes. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The family pass covers up to two adults and two children, and extra children can be added to it.
Do children need to book tickets for the International Antarctic Centre?
Child tickets for ages 5 to 15 must be booked together with at least one adult. Student admission requires a valid student ID.
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