International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket
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Christchurch, New Zealand
- 2 to 3 hours (approx.)
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Overview
Learn about Antarctic landscapes, wildlife, and explorers with convenient pre-purchased tickets to the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch. Brave a harsh Antarctic storm, learn about life on remote Scott Base, and check out adorable little blue penguins. Enjoy Hägglund rides (height restrictions apply) and 4D shows, and enter the “cuddle zone,” where you can meet fluffy huskies that explorers historically used to pull their Antarctic dog sleds.
- One-time general admission guarantees entry to this popular attraction
- Learn fascinating facts about Antarctic exploration and science
- Experience a raging southern storm without leaving Christchurch
- Center is conveniently located near Christchurch airport
What's Included
- International Antarctic Center Admission Ticket
- Excess luggage charges (where applicable)
- Participants must be at least 1.2m tall to ride the Hägglunds
Meeting and Pickup
Departure Point
- International Antarctic Centre, 38 Orchard Road, Christchurch 8052 New Zealand
Ticket Redemption Point
International Antarctic Centre, Corner Roy Place and, Orchard Road, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch 8052, New Zealand
What To Expect
1
International Antarctic Centre
Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- 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
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.4
based on 531 reviews
Carolynn_B, Apr 2026
It was exactly as advertised. Everybody was super helpful and kind.
It wasnt as flashy as american museums or science centers but it was cool. I think its perfect for younger audience as the exhibits are fairly short and manageable.
The icestorm they give you jackets/shoe covers you dont need more than that.
Kara_B, Apr 2026
Couldn't do the ride due to back injury, partner and son loved it though.
Storm room was great fun.
Husky talk went on for a bit too long and lacked coordination with people getting to the front to meet the dogs. Not so much the fault of the company, more that no structure was in place and this relies on people doing the right thing.... which isn't a strong suit of many. Some pushing in front of a young lady in a wheelchair.
Danica_G, Mar 2026
This was such a lovely experience!! The Hagglund ride was so much fun and then my friend and I braved the storm room without jackets which gave us such a laugh. The highlight for me was the penguins, I loved all their individual stories and the fact that they're mostly rescues. My favourite is Toa because he had to be rescued just because he is terrible at being a penguin. Toa forever.
Peter_N, Mar 2026
More than I expected. It was fun plus very informative and interesting. The activities and interaction were well carried out.
Shirin_M, Mar 2026
Amazing experience. You learn a lot about Antarctica. The whole experience is amazing. I enjoyed it all.
Michelle_K, Mar 2026
This was a real fun experience with the opportunity to experience an arctic snow storm, an arctic cruise and what it would be like to travel in a vehicle over the arctic
It was very well organised and informative
Frances_S, Mar 2026
The exhibits are fun & interesting…the staff are super friendly,,,some seniors might find the hagglund ride bumpy but we thoroughly enjoyed it.
Ruth_H, Mar 2026
This was an a amazing experience. We loved every minute, the staff was extremely friendly and knowledgeable.
Tammy_W, Feb 2026
This was easy to book, great experience and really enjoyed that you could check up whenever you wanted to.
Eleanor_S, Feb 2026
Very informative and staff are very friendly lots to see and do and videos to watch, cafe and gift shop too
Karen_C, Feb 2026
Lots to learn and do. Fascinating experience. The 4d theatre, the Penguins, the snowstorm experience, the Hagglund trip, and meeting the huskies, All fascinating. And the staff were so helpful. Exceptional.
Robyn_R, Feb 2026
An amazing interactive experience. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable. Easily reached by a downtown shuttle.
Carol_N, Feb 2026
We had to find our own way to the tour. We were in a strange town overseas. We canceled. The Uber was a Mile Away from the pier & we are in our 70's. Cost would have been an additional $40-50. We had to call, chat response was slow. I think Viator should have been at the pier waiting for us & provided transportation to the site. Very disappointing.
Sherry_B, Feb 2026
Very informative and enjoyed the interactive exhibits. Great for all ages. Hagglund ride and guide was fantastic
LouAnn_S, Feb 2026
Antarctic Centre is an excellent interactive museum. Facts are presented in an interesting manner, and there are varied types of exhibits (Husky Zone, 4D movie, Storm Simulator, Hägglund vehicle ride, Little Blue Penguins habitat, etc) Allow 2-3+ hours and ENJOY!! There's plenty to interest adults and entertain children of 7-8+yo.
Carol_W, Feb 2026
Its great excellent staff very educational & lots of fun. Loved the simulators especially the ride & going into a storm. A must see if you have children with you.
Barbara_V, Jan 2026
Fascinating experience. So many interactive exhibits. The penguins were adorable. The Hagglund vehicle was an incredible adventure! The blizzard was Amazing! A must see in Christchurch
Jane_G, Jan 2026
We really enjoyed the activities available and the overall experience. The downside was one of the front desk staff talked to you with such disdain I wonder why she bothers to work there.
David_G, Dec 2025
Very close to airport. Easy walking distance. Staff are exceptional. Very passionate about their work.
Jocelyn_M, Dec 2025
Amazing experience to ride this kind of truck and the experience winter season like Alaska. Staff were friendly and accommodating. The place is exceptional.
Anvesha_G, Dec 2025
Amazing, educational and interactive experience. I really enjoyed the hagglund ride and the 4D experience.
Janet_V, Dec 2025
This excursion was so AWESOME that my husband and I immediately went back to our cruise ship and booked a cruise to the Antartica!
James_C, Nov 2025
It was very interesting however we only had about an hour and 45 minutes at the center because our ship was leaving 3 1/2 hours earlier than planned. We thought this include transportation to the center however we took a shuttle to Christchurch and then took a taxi cab for about $45 each way New Zealand currency so it was more expensive than we thought it would be, but it was a great experience.
Matthew_M, Nov 2025
Hagglund ride a must. Snow storm experience feel -18c. 4d cinema. Husky patting. View Blue penguins.
Jane_M, Nov 2025
Great place to take the family, some unique and fun activities to enjoy and a fascinating look into life in Antartica, past and present.
Annie_R, Nov 2025
Awful experience here based on the employee Karen. We arrived 1:30 and began touring the site. As we were told to do by the employee stationed there, we waited for 15 minutes to enter the winter storm room. Right as it was our turn, Karen walks in and tells us we cannot go inside because she needs the next two times/turns for her large group that arrived at 2:00, a half hour after us. We were told we could see the rest of the center and return in 45 minutes, but they would NOT save or guarantee us a spot--we just had to get in line again. We had a flight to catch so couldn't wait. We should not have been kicked out of our waited for spot. We paid full price but did not get the full experience.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Kia ora Annie,
We’re really sorry to hear you didn’t have a great experience with us. That’s not what we want for our visitors, and we would love the chance to make it right.
Please email us at reservations@iceberg.co.nz, and one of our team will follow up directly with you.
Ngā mihi,
Sarah – The International Antarctic Centre Team
Regina_R, Oct 2025
The ride on the Hagglunds was a blast, learning about the Antarctic science community and their research was fascinating and educational. Had a wonderful time.
Scott_G, Oct 2025
A very informative and breathtaking experience with great staff. I loved the Haaglund ride and the 4D.
breanna_l, Oct 2025
Don’t skip it! 10/10 experience! So fun! I feel like I have been to Antarctica! Engaging and educational
Dragana_B, Oct 2025
Great experience. Lots of interactive parts along the way and heaps of interesting things to read. The ride was a highlight!
From $44.93
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket
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