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Combo: Christchurch Gondola + Christchurch International Antarctic Center Tickets

Trainer presenting penguin to visitors at International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Hägglund vehicle on a track at the International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch, with directional signs.
Punting ride on Avon River with people enjoying the view, Christchurch.
Gondola ascending over hills and cityscape in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Open today

9:00am - 4:30pm

Explore at your pace

Choose your entry time, stay as long as you like

4.4/5

(32)

Dawnette Davis

Dawnette

Feb 2026
Verified booking
The Christchurch International Antarctic Centre was filled with education and entertainment for all ages. A particularly interesting experience was two American military pilots visiting the exhibit of the interior of the cargo plane with their wives . They were actually flying to McMurdo base the next day. It was very exciting to hear about what flying in and out can be like.
Vivian Waughlock

Vivian

Feb 2026
Verified booking
The Snow Room was a real highlight and felt surprisingly authentic. The overall layout and storytelling work very well and keep the experience engaging without feeling overdone. The Hägglunds ride was great fun while still giving a good sense of how challenging Antarctic logistics can be. The staff were incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to share their insights.
Bernadette Hyland

Bernadette

Mar 2026
Verified booking
Wonderful experience that opened my eyes to the amazing work underway on Antarctica by thousands of brave, resilient scientific teams. Incredibly well done immersive experience. Loved every minute! Great for adults and families. Can easily spend 2-4 hours taking it all in.
Maria Mercedes Frias Uxo

Maria

Dec 2025
Verified booking
It is a great experience for people of all ages, so very recommended for families. The highlights were (in our order of preference): huskies, hagglund ride, the storm experience and the 4D cinema. It was really great fun and it is not far from the airport, so it can be an activity to do if you have hours to kill before your flight. A tiny tip that could make someone's day: try to be one of the first ones in the queue for the hagglund ride as you may be offered to go at the front of the vehicle where you can see the track perfectly (not sideways if you are at the back). The rest of the exhibition is very informative if you love nature and history.
Liselott Olofsson

Liselott

Jan 2026
Verified booking
We really enjoyed the storm experience and watching the penguins being feed and hearing their stores from the keepers. The cross country rollercoaster was so much fun and thd guide was really fun too.
Jim McNally

Jim

Jan 2026
Verified booking
We had a great time - there was a really good mixture of things to do and see including being able to peer into the penguin burrows. The ride on the Antarctic transporter vehicle was also great fan.
    • Enjoy two top Christchurch attractions with one combo ticket. Visit the International Antarctic Centre and ride the Christchurch Gondola with easy entry.

    • At the International Antarctic Centre, experience a simulated storm, meet rescued penguins, and ride a Hägglund. Includes the 4D show, Husky Zone, and interactive exhibits.

    • Take the Christchurch Gondola to the summit of Mount Cavendish for wide views of the city, Lyttelton Harbour, and the Pacific Ocean. Access viewing decks, trails, and the Red Rock Café.

  • International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch

    • Entry to the International Antarctic Center, Christchurch

    • Access to Storm Dome, Penguin Rescue, HD Theatre, 4D Theatre, Hägglunds Field Trip & Husky Zone

    Christchurch Gondola

    • Gondola ride to the summit station

    • Access to the observation decks

    • Access to walking tracks

    • Entry to Christchurch Discovery Ride

    • Access to Red Rock Café

    • Access to the Shop at the Top gift store

  • International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch

    • Penguin backstage tour

    • Food and drinks

    • Audio guides

    Christchurch Gondola

    • Meals and drinks (available for purchase at the café and bar)

    • Souvenirs and gifts (available for purchase at the gift shop)

    • Round-trip transfers to the Gondola base station (shuttle and public bus available at extra cost)

    • Wheelchair access on the Gondola Shuttle bus (not available)

    • Private group bookings for meals (available at extra cost for groups of 20+)

  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

  • 32 reviews

    How do we collect reviews?

    These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.

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    What our guests say

    Bernadette Hyland

    Bernadette

    Mar 2026
    Verified booking
    Wonderful experience that opened my eyes to the amazing work underway on Antarctica by thousands of brave, resilient scientific teams. Incredibly well done immersive experience. Loved every minute! Great for adults and families. Can easily spend 2-4 hours taking it all in.
    Rosalind Oliver

    Rosalind

    Mar 2026
    Verified booking
    The whole experience. 3D show, the drive in the ice trackor was really good. Information in the theatre. Information on the walls as you go around. Staff very pleasant, informative and helpful.
    Nathan Singh

    Nathan

    Mar 2026
    Verified booking
    I received my tickets instantly and it was very easy upon arrival. The attraction itself is super interesting, great for kids as well. A bonus to pat the Huskie dogs outside afterwards!
    Carolyn Henry

    Carolyn

    Mar 2026
    Verified booking
    The center was easy to get too, entry was seamless and the exhibits were good, I thought the penguin enclosure would have been more interactive, there were only 2 there
    Ronaldo Jeffrey Smith

    Ronaldo

    Mar 2026
    Verified booking
    4D experience The weather storm Made us more aware of Antarctica's delicate environment

Save time and discover two Christchurch icons with this combo ticket, from Antarctic wildlife encounters to summit views.

Getting started

Begin at either the International Antarctic Centre (next to Christchurch Airport) or the Christchurch Gondola base station on Bridle Path Road. Present your ticket at the main entrance for each venue; staff will guide you through ticket validation and direct you to the core attractions.

What to expect

International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch

This interactive center brings the spirit of Antarctic exploration to life, featuring hands-on exhibits and real animal encounters. Dive into the science, wildlife, and adventure that define the world’s southernmost continent.

Features:

  • Antarctic storm room: Experience the chill of a simulated Antarctic blizzard in a specially designed chamber, offering a safe taste of polar extremes.

  • Hägglund vehicle ride: Board a genuine all-terrain Hägglund for a rugged ride, showcasing how scientists traverse Antarctic ice.

  • Little Blue Penguins: Meet rescued Kororā, the world’s smallest penguin species, and learn about ongoing conservation efforts.

  • 4D Antarctic experience show: Immerse yourself in a multi-sensory film that transports you to Antarctica through motion and environmental effects.

  • Husky encounters: Visit the “cuddle zone” to meet friendly huskies, echoing the legacy of sled dogs in polar expeditions.

Christchurch Gondola

Opened in 1992, the Christchurch Gondola offers a 10-minute cable car journey above the city, revealing sweeping views from Mt Cavendish. The summit is a gateway to natural beauty and local stories.

Features:

  • Summit viewing decks: Take in unobstructed vistas of Christchurch, the Southern Alps, and Lyttelton Harbour from multiple platforms.

  • Walking tracks: Choose from various summit trails, each offering unique perspectives of the Port Hills and Canterbury Plains.

  • Christchurch Discovery Ride: Explore the region’s geological and cultural history through an engaging audiovisual experience.

  • Red Rock Café: Pause for refreshments while enjoying panoramic scenery; menu options suit families and groups.

  • Shop at the Top: Browse for souvenirs and local products at the summit’s dedicated retail store.

With this combo, you maximize your Christchurch adventure—no need to choose between city views and Antarctic wonders.

  • International Antarctic Centre

    Monday9:00am - 4:30pm
    Tuesday9:00am - 4:30pm
    Wednesday9:00am - 4:30pm
    Thursday9:00am - 4:30pm
    Friday9:00am - 4:30pm
    Saturday9:00am - 4:30pm
    Sunday9:00am - 4:30pm
  • What to bring

    Christchurch International Antarctic Center

    • Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at the entrance.

    • Dress in comfortable clothing and bring a warm layer, as some exhibits simulate cold Antarctic conditions.

    • Ensure you have your own transportation to the venue, as transfers are not included.

    Christchurch Gondola

    • Bring suitable clothing and footwear for outdoor walking tracks and changing weather conditions.

    • Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at the entrance.

    • Consider bringing a camera to capture panoramic views.

    • Sunscreen and a hat are recommended for sunny days.

    What’s not allowed

    Christchurch International Antarctic Center

    • Excess luggage and large bags may incur additional charges or may not be permitted inside.

    • Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.

    • Hägglund rides are not recommended for visitors with heart conditions, back or neck pain, or if pregnant.

    • Children under 1.2 meters in height are not permitted on the Hägglund ride. All children must be accompanied by an adult for this activity.

    Christchurch Gondola

    • Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.

    • Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited on the premises.

    • Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed inside the gondola cabins.

    • Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere on the premises.

    Accessibility

    Christchurch International Antarctic Center

    • The venue is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

    • Accessible restrooms are available on site.

    • The experience is near public transportation.

    Christchurch Gondola

    • The gondola ride is wheelchair accessible for manual wheelchairs up to 600mm wide; staff can assist with boarding and disembarking.

    • The Gondola Shuttle bus is not wheelchair accessible.

    • Accessible restrooms are available at the base and summit stations.

    • Please note that some walking tracks from the summit may not be suitable for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility.

    Additional information

    Christchurch International Antarctic Center

    • Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.

    • Most travelers can participate in the experience.

    • The International Antarctic Center is open every day except Christmas Day, from 9am to 4:30pm.

    • You can stay inside the center as long as you like during operating hours.

    • Children must be over 1.2 meters tall and accompanied by an adult to participate in the Hägglund ride.

    • Please allow 1 to 5 hours for your visit to fully enjoy all exhibits and activities.

    Christchurch Gondola

    • Allow 1–2 hours for your visit.

    • The attraction is open daily from 10am to 5pm; the last ride down is 60 minutes after closing.

    • Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times; there is no minimum age.

    • Meals, drinks, souvenirs, and gifts are available for purchase at the summit café and gift shop.

    • Red Rock Café, Christchurch Discovery Ride, and Shop at the Top close 30 minutes before the last ride from the summit.

    • Free parking is available at the base station (10 Bridle Path Road).

    • Bike racks are available at the base station entrance.

    • Transport to and from the Gondola base station is not included; shuttle and public bus options are available at an extra cost.

    • Private group bookings for meals are available for groups of 20 or more at an additional cost—advance booking required.

    • Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

    • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

    • Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.

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