Welcome to Antarctica

Experience the adventure, wildlife and science of the largest and coldest continent in the world.

Book Your Antarctic Experience

Open Today

9:00am to 4:30pm

Find Us

38 Orchard Road

Choose your antarctic adventure

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General Admission

Antarctica is closer than you think. Step inside and feel the full force of an Antarctic storm, ride a real Hägglunds across rugged terrain and see the rescued penguins who call the International Antarctic Centre home. Every area included, from the very first step. Allow approximately 2-3 hours.

What's Included

From $74 per adult

guided tour

ANTARCTIC GUIDED TOUR

Most people will never stand on the ice. For two unforgettable hours, an expert Antarctic Guide takes you closer than you ever imagined, with stories of courage, survival and discovery from the edge of the world. Full General Admission included. Allow approximately 3-4 hours.

What's included

$99 per adult, all inclusive

The world's premier

antarctic experience

What's Included?

Everything’s included. Explore it all. Ride in a Hägglunds, a real Antarctic vehicle. Brave an Antarctic Storm. See rescued kororā (little penguins) and meet our huskies. Step into the stories of heroic explorers, discover the science shaping our planet and experience the extraordinary world of Antarctica.

See it all

What's Included?

See it all

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Hägglunds Field Trip

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Storm Experience

Little Penguin swimming in water at the International Antarctic Centre

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Penguin Rescue

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4D Theatre

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Generation Antarctica

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Science Gallery

Birds-eye-view of International Antarctic Centre and Christchurch Airport

One of the world's five gateways to Antarctica

Christchurch is one of just five cities in the world recognised as a Gateway to Antarctica. For more than a century, the city has helped connect people with the icy continent through exploration, research and Antarctic expeditions. Today, that connection lives on at the International Antarctic Centre, where you can discover more about Antarctica’s wildlife, history and science, right here in Christchurch.

Explore Our Antarctic History

Hear it from our visitors

Excellent Experience

We had a fantastic three hours here with our 12 and 15 year old. Watched the little blue penguins being fed at 10.30am then the highlight was the ride on the Haaglund. So much fun! The 4D movie was cool. The snow storm was freaky. The information available was interesting and informative. So much to do. It was all so well done. Highly recommend to all.

LouLoveLondon - Trip Advisor

We loved the penguins

Wonderful day out for me and my 9 year old daughter, we got the VIP backstage penguin pass, and we loved the penguins. The staff are amazing, really friendly and helpful. Worth every cent.

Jenn P. - Tripadvisor

Awesome Experience

Awesome experience, loved the full tour and knowledgeable staff.

Dion

An amazing experience!

It was an amazing experience an I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes learning new things about Antarctica.

Helen

Informative Guides

The guide was knowledgeable and gave us a lot of interesting facts about what it is like to go to Antarctica. A lot of information was available in the exhibition hall. Penguins were so adorable!! The guide shared a lot of information about the penguins and what they do for them in this sanctuary.

Cherie

12/10, absolutely lovely.

The Hagglund ride is remarkable and very fun. The guides were extremely informative and a pleasure to speak with. The summer storm experience is not to be missed either. Do not miss this if you are in Christchurch

Patrick Hall - Google

Well worth it!

We enjoyed our visit with our family from Australia well worth it!

Bernie

Helpful & Engaged

Really enjoyed our afternoon. The staff are a credit to you. All so very helpful and engaged. And they had personality making the experience feel very comfortable for myself and 4-year-old grandson. The penguins and the hussy were a real hit also. Thank you, IAC team!

Cindy

Recognised for Excellence

For over 30 years, we have been recognised both nationally and internationally for unforgettable visitor experiences, and are proud to partner with organisations that share our passion for Antarctica, conservation and sustainable tourism.

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Qualmark

We are proud to hold Qualmark Gold, New Zealand tourism’s official mark of quality and sustainability, recognising our commitment to exceptional visitor experiences.

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The Tiaki Promise

New Zealand is precious, and everyone who lives and travels here has a responsibility to look after it. The Tiaki Promise is a commitment to care for New Zealand, for now and for future generations. By following the Tiaki Promise, we are all making a commitment to New Zealand. To act as a guardian, protecting and preserving our home.

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Zoo and Aquarium Association

An accredited member of the Zoo and Aquarium Association, we work with zoos and aquariums across Australasia to deliver the highest standards of animal welfare and conservation.

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