Tours/Christchurch/International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket
Viator

International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket

4.4(537)Christchurch1 hour
VIATOR4.6(89)TRIPADVISOR4.4(448)

Description

The International Antarctic Centre transports a slice of this astounding continent to Christchurch, with a range of immersive experiences that allow everyday visitors to see, touch, feel and fall in love with Antarctica. Brave an Antarctic storm, go off-road in a Hägglund (must be at least 1.2metres tall to ride the Hägglund), mingle with the penguins, experience Antarctica from all four dimensions and leave with a head full of knowledge, a heart full of love and an inspiration to take action. Just like the explorers before you.

Tour Options

International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket

Itinerary

Admission included

The International Antarctic Centre transports a slice of this astounding continent to Christchurch, with a range of immersive experiences that allow everyday visitors to see, touch, feel and fall in love with Antarctica. Brave an Antarctic storm, go off-road in a Hägglund, see rescued Kororā, Little Blue Penguins, experience Antarctica from all four dimensions and leave with a head full of knowledge, a heart full of love and an inspiration to take action. Just like the explorers before you. We are located next to Christchurch International Airport and open every day of the year, except Christmas Day, from 9am – 4.30pm.

Highlights

International Antarctic Center Admission Ticket

What's included

Included
International Antarctic Center Admission Ticket
Not included
Excess luggage charges (where applicable)
Participants must be at least 1.2m tall to ride the Hägglunds

Traveller Ratings

4.4
537 reviews
5
374
4
87
3
37
2
20
1
19

Important Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Hagglund Rides: We do not recommend this ride for visitors with heart conditions, back or neck pain or if pregnant
  • Children must be over 1.2 meters tall to ride the Hagglund and all children must be accompanied by an adult

Reviews(537)

A
abell16705
July 5, 2026
DONT BUY THROUGH TRIP ADVISOR

DO NOT BUY TICKETS OFF TRIP ADVISOR!! I thought I was getting a good deal but then when the invoice came through on am email it said USD so it ended up being more expensive. On their website it says if you can find a better price anywhere else they will match it but when I contacted them I had to deal with a chat robot who was of no help, I couldn’t get through to a real human to sort it out. The experience with Trip Advisor was terrible. The experience at the Antarctic Centre was fantastic though, just buy the tickets directly through them, it is expensive but the funds go to a good cause.

D
Daniel M
June 30, 2026
Its a wake up call to all.

Must do if you have thr time. The staff are great and they will look after your luggage while you do the tour. Great way to kill 3 hrs before jump on plane

P
pamelatJ1147NQ
June 27, 2026
Penguins, Ice Storms & Hägglund all‑terrain vehicle adventure: A Must‑Do in Christchurch

The International Antarctic Centre offers a well‑rounded, immersive, and educational experience. My three children reported it as the highlight of their holiday. Two of my three daughters said that the best thing that they did on their holiday was the Hägglund all‑terrain vehicle ride as it’s bumpy, loud, and adventurous, giving you a real sense of how Antarctic transport works. My Kids loved it. My third child said she really loved the storm simulation where temperatures drop, winds roar, and the room transforms into a full Antarctic whiteout, she also loved seeing the Little Blue Penguins. The International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket is well worth it. It’s one of Christchurch’s top attractions. My kids loved it more than the zoo.

J
Jet34264428903
June 11, 2026
Excellent

Excellent place to visit with a 21 year old. She loved the penguins and the huskies. Found all the info very interesting. The vehicle ride was quite thrilling!

M
Mark251265
June 4, 2026
Awesome

Amazing facility that uses interactivity as its core approach. Would appeal to history buffs, animal lovers. Environmentalists, children, teenagers, pretty much everyone. The snowstorm room was hilarious to not only experience but to watch other people through the windows and time how long they last at -20 C before they run for the exit (I only lasted 2 of the 4 minutes so no judgment!) Very good little cafe too. It is very expensive though so be prepared for sticker shock.

K
Kathy M
May 21, 2026
Fascinating and fun

Fascinating visit with so much to learn and some memorable ways to help the experience. Staff were passionate and knowledgeable- a very good value, important place to learn about Antarctica.

V
Vacation32839802682
May 4, 2026
Informative and Fun

We had a great visit to the International Antarctic Centre. The staff was great, and the facilities were well laid out, with a lot of information about Antarctica and various research programs. Would highly recommend, especially if you have a couple of hours before needing to fly out of the Christchurch airport.

B
brunelloafcionado
April 30, 2026
Unique museum experience

Fantastic option in Christchurch. Recommend. Also add the Haggerlund ride - very fun

U
U2577SWpatriced
April 28, 2026
Definite must in Christchurch

What a great experience so hands on. Loved seeing the dogs

L
Leeann46
April 24, 2026
Absolute must do experience in Christchurch!

Amazing experience for all age groups. Plenty of interactive activities including the ride in a hagglund (snow vehicle), meeting the huskies, seeing the penguins being fed, experiencing a snow storm and watching a 4d movie. The staff are very friendly and full of information with the ones we met having had time at the antartic themselves. We have teenage kids so were a bit rushed and couldn't read all the information but we absolutely had a great couple of hours there before our flight home

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