The International Antarctic Centre, located right next to Christchurch International Airport in Christchurch, is a fun and immersive way to experience New Zealand’s long-standing connection with Antarctica. Christchurch is recognised as one of only five major “gateways” to the icy continent, thanks to its historical role in expeditions and logistics for Antarctic research.
At the Centre you can plunge into a simulated Antarctic storm, take a ride in a Hägglunds all-terrain vehicle, meet little blue penguins, learn about human and wildlife science in Antarctica and enjoy a lively 4D theatre experience.
Getting there is easy — it’s just a short walk from the airport terminal or about a 15-minute drive from the city centre. The Centre is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm so you’ll want to allow 2-3 hours to do it justice.
General admission tickets are around NZ $74 for adults and NZ $49 for children (ages 6-15).
It’s a brilliant stop for a family outing, a rainy-day plan, or simply a unique experience while you’re in Christchurch.
Feature image: Hägglund in front of the International Antarctic Centre, IAC – Marketing Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
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