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International Antarctic Centre

International Antarctic Centre

International Antarctic Centre
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
The International Antarctic Centre is the world’s premier Antarctic experience. Situated in one of only five gateway cities to Antarctica, this award-winning attraction is where you can see Little Blue Penguins swim and feed, ride an Antarctic Hägglund, immerse yourself in another world with a 4D Theatre experience, brave -18°C windchills in a simulated Antarctic Storm and more. It's the closest you'll get to Antarctica without mounting your own expedition!
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Admission tickets
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AU$59.57
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  • Scott G
    Washington DC, District of Columbia449 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great experience
    This place gives you an experience! Very glad we went there. In addition to a movie that really pulls you in, there is a good ride in an Antarctic vehicle, live penguins, and a room to experience Antarctic weather. Anyone interested in Antarctica and kids alike will love it.
    Thank you for your five-star review! We're thrilled you had an enjoyable day with us.
    Written 26 October 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 18 October 2023
  • Pumpkin20
    Bathurst, Australia353 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic!
    Easy to find with heaps of parking. So much to see & do! Heaps of interesting exhibits.The 3D theatre was fun, plenty of oohs, ash’s & laughter. Seeing & being able to pat Husky dogs was so special, they were so placid, their owner/handler was so generous with his time & information. The visit in the snow room was a bit of fun, cold & windy. Watching the little penguins being fed & the keeper presentation was great fun & informative. We had a great time & would have to say it’s a don’t miss activity! Food at the cafe was good & not over priced. All the staff were very friendly.
    We're delighted to hear that you had an enjoyable visit. We appreciate your positive feedback about the food at the cafe and the friendly staff. It's fantastic to know that you had such a memorable and informative experience.
    Written 26 October 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 20 October 2023
  • Explorer531098
    Calgary, Canada24 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Loved it!
    Well worth the time and admission fee. The rides, films, and husky presentation experiences are based on set times. Best to go in the morning or early afternoon to catch everything.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 20 December 2023
  • Kristi S
    35 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great day in Antarctica!
    Had a wonderful visit to the Antarctic center! So much to see and do! We spent 4 hours there and got to ride in the vehicle, go backstage with the penguins, meet the huskies, and much more! Had a great experience here and learned much! Take your time through the interactive exhibits, have fun, and enjoy!!
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 22 December 2023
  • Margaret
    Sydney, Australia98 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great visit! Great to try when you’re in Christchurch.
    Had an amazing time at the exhibit – we saw Penguin feeding, braved an Antarctic storm in an enclosed space, enjoyed a 4D movie, touched the Huskies, and even took a ride in the impressive Hagglund, the specialized all-terrain vehicle used in Antarctica. Almost a perfect score, if only the staffs were more helpful. The team near the Storm Experience room unfortunately weren’t attentive, didn’t proactively provide information until someone asked questions. However the Hagglund driver and the 4D Theatre attendant were very helpful and friendly. Overall it was great experience and we would recommend anyone who visit Christchurch to come and visit this place!
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 1 January 2024
  • Curly29
    16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Must Do
    This is an opportunity not to be missed. Many one of experiences to be had here, from the Hagglund ride, 4D cinema and seeing huskies. Amazing information about Antarctica and real time camera views. Got to experience a blizzard. Our guide was very informative and helpful.
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 4 January 2024
  • Sandy W
    Vancouver, Canada1,773 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A unique tourist entertainment facility
    As per the warnings, the ride in the Hagglund vehicle is bumpy and not for those were back problems or who are pregnant. The penguin feeding is somewhat underwhelming. There are seats for perhaps 20 people, but over 50 were crammed into the space. With waiting for the feeding to begin and observing the feeding, people were standing for about a half hour. This is problematic for seniors like me who have problems standing. Please consider installing more seating. There are lots of other smaller exhibits to view. If you find this review helpful, please give a like. You may also want to read my reviews of other tourist facilities in Christchurch, as well as in Auckland, Wellington and Brisbane, Australia.
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 16 January 2024
  • Roger S
    Cairns, Australia2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great experience, a must do while in Christchurch.
    This is an amazing experience. For someone that has been to the Antarctic it added to my knowledge. We had a backstage pass (recommended) so we found out lot's more about the Penguins at the Centre and the wonderful job they are doing, the guide was very passionate about her work. The Husky presentation was also first class and you get to pet them! The Blizzard experience, the Haglunds and the 4D theatre also fun. Add to that the many displays and information, it is all well worth the admission.
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 4 February 2024
  • Greysmatter
    Canterbury, United Kingdom29 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very glad we went it was informative and fun.
    We really enjoyed our visit to the International Antarctic Centre (IAC) and thought it was one of the best value for money things we did in New Zealand. The talk on the use of Husky dogs in the Antarctic by Scott was really interesting. The Haggalund ride over the obstacle course was fun (NB only for those over 1.2m tall and without back/neck injuries etc). The ice storm and 4D film also a bit of fun (and informative) as was the Ice hole Challenge. There is a small group of rescue blue penguins which can be viewed from above and from below water (through viewing glass). The IAC is literally accross the road from the airport and backed onto our airport hotel. It was a great way for us to spend 3 hours whilst killing time in the day for our evening flight. The main activities listed above are timed frequently during the day. There was a break though for the Huskies around lunchtime. You do not need to wear warm cothing to visit. They give you jackets with a hood and overshoes to experience the (c 5 minute?) Ice Storm but I would say long trousers would be better than shorts to avoid getting cold legs .
    It has been our absolute pleasure to have you in the Antarctic Centre. We hope you return soon!
    Written 8 April 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 2 March 2024
  • CJ
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very cool experience 🙂
    We loved our visit, especially seeing the blue penguins and experiencing the Hagglund course. Staff are very knowledgeable and helpful and the storm dome was really fun. We learned a lot and had a blast. Totally lives up to the recommendations online and word of mouth.
    Thank you so much for your review. We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed your time in the Centre!
    Written 8 April 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 26 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles2,915 reviews
Excellent
1,545
Very good
888
Average
315
Poor
105
Terrible
63

Lisa-lynx
Auckland, New Zealand43 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
We have heard so much about the Antarctic centre and were quite excited to finally have a chance to go. We arrived just before 2pm and booked to do the penguin experience as was recommended by the friendly cashier.

The penguin experience was not much more than meeting the keepers and being within a metre of the penguin in quarantine due to moulting. The 4D movie was a kids movie that was a bit odd about a yeti and the husky pups were three lovely rescues but not actual sled dogs. The hagglund ride was good and the guide explained and demonstrated the feeling of different terrains. We didn’t get a chance to do the snow storm as there was a wait for all the activities of roughly 20min and with the amount of people already waiting we would have been waiting for at least another 40mins.

Overall the way things are timed that you have to wait generally around 20 min each to do the interactive bits made it rather frustrating. Cost wise if it was $30 or $35 per person I could see the value but $84 per person including the so called penguin experience is completely ridiculous. In terms of value for money it’s just not worth it. I’m glad we found this out now aswell as we were planning on visiting with our family from overseas and Auckland in July and August and I know we won’t be doing that anymore. Instead we will be heading to willowbank wildlife reserve for less than half the cost and 100% more value.
Written 25 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to review your experience with us. We do have another 4D movie, Ice Voyage, which runs on the hour. This movie may have been more suitable for your viewing. The Storm Dome is a highlight for many of our visitors so it is a shame that you did not get a chance to experience this. Our timetable is scheduled so there shouldn't be too much waiting around for each activity, however if on the day we have larger than expected visitors numbers this may result in a wait. Sorry that your visit did not meet your expectations on the day you visited. Kind regards, Zingara
Written 8 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

milliesmum2016
Christchurch, New Zealand1,770 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2021 • Family
We visited here with a nearly 4yr old in tow. He loved it, especially if there were buttons to push or levers to manoeuvre. There was a lot of information, including two film rooms, but with my young companion I didn't get to digest a lot of that. The huskies and the penguins were a drawcard, as was the very exciting Haglund ride.
The cafe serves a nice hot cup of tea but the menu selection was absolutely dismal and radiated cholesterol and if your diet was always that restricted, probably scurvy! However, I guess its OK for treat eating once in a while, but some lighter options would have been good. The bikkies were nice. And they didn't mind the 4yr old eating his home packed lunchbox.
There's free parking, however, the ticketing is quite expensive, at $49 for an adult.
A good time was had by all!
Written 6 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sid5515
Bangi, Malaysia1,065 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
The complex located just a few minutes drive from Christchurch Airport. Purchased the entrance ticket at the counter, which cost us NZD 59.00 per person. Visitor can experience the chilly snowstorm at -8 degree Celsius with wind speed reaching up to 40km/hr inside the Storm Dome, scheduled as per advised prior start the tour. We were given talk about penguin at the Penguin Rescue section. Other sections inside the building are 4D Extreme Theatre, Husky Zone, galleries, etc. One of the most interesting activity is Hagglund ride which also has it schedule, starting from the complex lobby and going around the complex, across several extreme topography before returned to the starting point.
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for sharing your review of your experience with us! The Hagglund Field Trip never disappoints!
Written 6 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

dilip Tk
Hyderabad, India72 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Friends
Had one hell heck of time in Antarctic centre . Firstly it started with a bumpy ride for 12-15 mins with lot of hazards. Chilling temp
Inside the room was trying to replaicate Antarctic conditions which was fantastic experience .
Icing on Cake was 4 D experience of Antarctic was out standing
Written 27 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your awesome review!
Written 29 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jared-Kiwi
Wellington, New Zealand323 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
June 2021 • Couples
Booked online for the penguin behind the scenes experience, we arrived early and had a look though before doing the 4D theatre and the feeding. We were then met by one of the staff in reception then headed for the tour, the information provided was excellent and she had lots of energy.

Overall we spent about three hours and found it very informative and engaging
Written 9 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sassygg
Melbourne, Australia44 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023 • Family
There’s a lot of good stuff here. We loved meeting the huskies and owner, who is also a chance to interact with a local Maori person.
Things that could be better- the penguin enclosure has faded fake plants, not a good look. Note the penguins are local, not Antarctic, and you can see these better in the wild (or Melbourne Zoo).
The fixed displays are a bit run down in places, eg a missing whale.
Finally the cost is higher than any similar places, you would expect all the details were right (the fake plants being the worst offence here)
Written 20 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is all amazing feedback! Thank you for sharing your thoughts so we can improve our Antarctic Centre experience.
Written 1 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

TerryKennedy
Imbil, Australia76 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
Attended the centre in the morning in time to see the penguin feeding. This is a great centre, well set out and very interesting. The displays are informative and the excursions are all must do, especially the Hagglund .We had lunch at the centre and it was inexpensive and delicious. A must do in Christchurch.
Written 21 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the 5 star review - we really appreciate it! Glad you stayed around for lunch too!
Written 1 April 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,657 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2020
The Shaky Isles are well known as a centre of Antarctic activity. There are lots of things to see and do at the International Antarctic Centre, it will keep you busy for a day. Christchurch is New Zealand's southern metropolis, the International Antarctic Centre is not far from the centre of the city.
Written 25 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Derek M
Christchurch, New Zealand7 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2020 • Family
Fantastic, fun filled, value for money day. Highly recommend. Penguin feeding presentation (10.30, 11th December 2020) had reverb through PA system and commentary was too fast (I'm a kiwi).
Written 11 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sealy Ham
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020
Had originally booked the family in for a helicopter flight over Antarctica for my wifes birthday but then Covid hit and our tour was cancelled unfortunately. This didn't stop us from taking part in our semi-annual antarctic experience, of course! Took a quick trip into Christchurch and made the most of what they had to offer. The kids loved it and all the staff were very friendly, highly reccommend for any looking for an authentic antarctic experience that wont hurt the wallet too much!
Written 7 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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