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Experience the best of International Antarctic Centre

The Christchurch International Antarctic Centre offers a unique chance to experience the sights and sounds of the frozen continent. Ready to visit? Purchase your official standard admission ticket here to secure instant access to all exhibits and encounters.
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Slide 1 of 6, Woman and child watching penguins swim at the International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Woman and child watching penguins swim at the International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Hägglund vehicle outside International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Children engaging with "The Orrery" exhibit at the International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch.
Staff member feeding a Little Blue Penguin at the International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch.
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.

Christchurch International Antarctic Center Tickets

Explore at your pace

  • Step into a simulated Antarctic storm at Christchurch's International Antarctic Center, feel the chill, and see how explorers braved the harshest continent.

  • Entry includes access to all core exhibits, a thrilling Hägglund vehicle ride, 4D Antarctic show, and animal encounters.

  • Meet rescued little blue penguins and see huskies, the legendary sled dogs of Antarctic expeditions.

  • Buckle up for an off-road adventure in a genuine Hägglund vehicle, designed for Antarctic terrain.

  • Dive into the 4D Antarctic experience show, where wind, snow, and adventure leap off the screen.

More details

  • Step into a simulated Antarctic storm at Christchurch's International Antarctic Center, feel the chill, and see how explorers braved the harshest continent.

  • Entry includes access to all core exhibits, a thrilling Hägglund vehicle ride, 4D Antarctic show, and animal encounters.

  • Meet rescued little blue penguins and see huskies, the legendary sled dogs of Antarctic expeditions.

  • Buckle up for an off-road adventure in a genuine Hägglund vehicle, designed for Antarctic terrain.

  • Dive into the 4D Antarctic experience show, where wind, snow, and adventure leap off the screen.

from
NZ$74
Slide 1 of 11, Couple walking near vintage tram in Christchurch city center.
Couple walking near vintage tram in Christchurch city center.
Woman and child watching penguins swim at the 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.
Staff member feeding a Little Blue Penguin at the International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch.
Children engaging with "The Orrery" exhibit at the International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch.
Hägglund vehicle outside International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Women boarding a vintage tram in Christchurch.
Couple enjoying a punting ride on the Avon River, Christchurch.
Christchurch Gondola overlooking Lyttelton Port from Port Hills, New Zealand.

Christchurch Day Pass: Tram, Gondola, Punt and International Antarctic Reserve Tickets

Explore at your pace

  • Make the most of Christchurch with one combo ticket that includes the International Antarctic Centre, a tram ride, a gondola ride, and punting on the Avon River with easy entry throughout.

  • 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.

  • Ride the tram through the city, take the gondola up for the views, and enjoy a relaxed punt ride along the Avon River.

More details

  • Make the most of Christchurch with one combo ticket that includes the International Antarctic Centre, a tram ride, a gondola ride, and punting on the Avon River with easy entry throughout.

  • 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.

  • Ride the tram through the city, take the gondola up for the views, and enjoy a relaxed punt ride along the Avon River.

from Original priceNZ$196
NZ$188.16

4% off

Slide 1 of 11, Woman holding a penguin during a presentation at the International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch.
Woman holding a penguin during a presentation at the International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch.
Children engaging with "The Orrery" exhibit at the International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch.
Woman and child watching penguins swim at the International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Couple walking on hillside trail with gondola overhead, Christchurch landscape.
Tram crossing a historic bridge in Christchurch surrounded by lush greenery.
Hägglund vehicle outside International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Staff member feeding a Little Blue Penguin at the International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch.
Trainer presenting penguin to visitors at International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Christchurch tram passing near Bridge of Remembrance on a sunny day.
Gondola ride over hills with city view, Christchurch.
Gondola ride over Port Hills with view of Christchurch landscape and water.

Christchurch Antarctic Adventure and Scenic Tram-Gondola Experience

Explore at your pace

  • Antarctica + Christchurch sightseeing: Pair an Antarctic experience with flexible tram and Gondola access to cover two distinct sides of the city in one booking.

  • International Antarctic Center Christchurch: Enter the Center with access to the Storm Dome, Penguin Rescue, 4D experience, Husky Zone, and Hägglunds ride.

  • Christchurch Tram and Gondola: Ride the tram all day with live commentary, then take a round-trip Gondola to Mount Cavendish with summit access and walking tracks.

  • Use the tram flexibly throughout the day, while the Gondola and Antarctic Center visits fit around your wider Christchurch itinerary.

  • Access to the Discovery Ride, summit Gift Shop, café and Botanic Gardens is included alongside the tram and Gondola.

More details

  • Antarctica + Christchurch sightseeing: Pair an Antarctic experience with flexible tram and Gondola access to cover two distinct sides of the city in one booking.

  • International Antarctic Center Christchurch: Enter the Center with access to the Storm Dome, Penguin Rescue, 4D experience, Husky Zone, and Hägglunds ride.

  • Christchurch Tram and Gondola: Ride the tram all day with live commentary, then take a round-trip Gondola to Mount Cavendish with summit access and walking tracks.

  • Use the tram flexibly throughout the day, while the Gondola and Antarctic Center visits fit around your wider Christchurch itinerary.

  • Access to the Discovery Ride, summit Gift Shop, café and Botanic Gardens is included alongside the tram and Gondola.

from Original priceNZ$156
NZ$149.76

4% off

Pro tips to help you make a pick

Book tickets online in advance to secure your preferred entry time, especially during weekends, school holidays, and peak tourist seasons in Christchurch.

Plan to spend at least 2–3 hours exploring all experiences, including the Storm Dome, Hägglund ride, penguin encounter, and interactive exhibits.

Check experience schedules on arrival as some attractions like the storm simulation and 4D theatre run at specific time slots throughout the day.

Arrive early in the day for a more relaxed visit and shorter wait times for popular experiences like the Hägglund ride.

Review participation requirements in advance as certain experiences may have height, mobility, or health restrictions, particularly the Hägglund ride and storm simulation.

Similar things to do in Christchurch

About International Antarctic Centre

The International Antarctic Centre is more than just an attraction—it’s a fully immersive Antarctic experience. Discover interactive galleries, indoor storm simulations, and real expedition vehicles, all designed to showcase life in one of the harshest environments on Earth. With wildlife encounters, educational exhibits, and thrilling rides, it’s a must-visit experience in Christchurch.

AddressCorner Roy Place and, Orchard Road, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch 8052, New Zealand
Year opened1990
Expected wait time - Standard0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Did you know?

The International Antarctic Centre is one of the few attractions in the world where visitors can experience a simulated Antarctic storm with real snow, freezing temperatures, and powerful winds indoors.

It features real Hägglund vehicles used in Antarctic expeditions, giving visitors an authentic look at how researchers travel across extreme icy landscapes.

The Penguin Rescue programme cares for injured Little Blue Penguins that cannot survive in the wild, making it both an attraction and a conservation facility.

Christchurch serves as a major gateway to Antarctica, and the centre reflects the city’s role in supporting scientific missions to the continent.

Located right next to Christchurch Airport, it is one of the few major attractions in the world that you can visit within minutes of landing.

Why visit International Antarctic Centre?

Immersive Antarctic storm experience

Step inside the Storm Dome and feel the power of an Antarctic blizzard. With sub-zero temperatures, strong winds, and real snow effects, this simulation recreates one of the harshest climates on Earth, giving visitors a firsthand understanding of life in Antarctica.

Ride the Hägglund all-terrain vehicle

Experience how scientists travel across icy terrain on a thrilling Hägglund ride. This amphibious vehicle navigates steep slopes, bumps, and water tracks, offering a fun and realistic glimpse into Antarctic field expeditions.

Meet rescued Little Blue Penguins

Visit the Penguin Rescue habitat to see the world’s smallest penguins up close. Learn about conservation efforts while watching them swim, dive, and interact in a specially designed environment.

Interactive exhibits and galleries

Explore engaging displays that explain Antarctic science, wildlife, and exploration history. Hands-on exhibits and multimedia presentations make learning about the frozen continent both fun and informative.

Convenient location near Christchurch Airport

Located next to Christchurch Airport, the centre is easily accessible and perfect for layovers or short visits, making it one of the most convenient attractions in Christchurch.

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