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International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket

Badge of Excellence
Christchurch, New Zealand
High interest
Booked 2 times today.
  • 2 to 3 hours (approx.)

Why travelers loved this

4.4
·
· 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.
· 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

Overview

Learn about Antarctic landscapes, wildlife, and explorers with tickets to the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch. Brave a harsh Antarctic storm, hear about life on the remote Scott Base, and spend some quality time with adorable little blue penguins. Enjoy Hägglund rides 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 to the International Antarctic Centre
  • Learn about Antarctic exploration and science
  • Experience a raging southern storm without leaving Christchurch
  • A fun experience that's perfect for families

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

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.4
based on 511 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Amazing experience. You...

Shirin_M, Mar 2026
Amazing experience. You learn a lot about Antarctica. The whole experience is amazing. I enjoyed it all.

Great fun time

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

The exhibits are fun &...

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.

Fun and Cold Experience

Ruth_H, Mar 2026
This was an a amazing experience. We loved every minute, the staff was extremely friendly and knowledgeable.

Antarctic centre New Zealand

Tammy_W, Feb 2026
This was easy to book, great experience and really enjoyed that you could check up whenever you wanted to.

International arctic centre is a fun day out

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

Lots to learn and do....

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.

Antarctic experience

Robyn_R, Feb 2026
An amazing interactive experience. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable. Easily reached by a downtown shuttle.

Did not meet expectations

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.

Antarctica experience

Sherry_B, Feb 2026
Very informative and enjoyed the interactive exhibits. Great for all ages. Hagglund ride and guide was fantastic

Antarctic Centre is VERY Entertaining!

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.

Fantastic experience

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.

Learn about a beautiful little known wonderland

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

Great but staff need some training on customer service

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.

Great Visit

David_G, Dec 2025
Very close to airport. Easy walking distance. Staff are exceptional. Very passionate about their work.

Amazing experience to...

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.

Amazing, educational and...

Anvesha_G, Dec 2025
Amazing, educational and interactive experience. I really enjoyed the hagglund ride and the 4D experience.

its a MUST do when visiting Christchurch!

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!

Very interesting, but realize you have to provide your own transportation.

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.

Must do experience

Matthew_M, Nov 2025
Hagglund ride a must. Snow storm experience feel -18c. 4d cinema. Husky patting. View Blue penguins.

Enjoyable family activity in Christchurch

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.

Awful customer service.

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

Unplanned rainy day surprise, it was so much fun!!!

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.

Well worth the money!!

Scott_G, Oct 2025
A very informative and breathtaking experience with great staff. I loved the Haaglund ride and the 4D.

Best thing I did in Christchurch

breanna_l, Oct 2025
Don’t skip it! 10/10 experience! So fun! I feel like I have been to Antarctica! Engaging and educational

Highly recommend!

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!

Exceeded expectations,...

Sean_M, Jul 2025
Exceeded expectations, the ride on the hagglund was amazing. Also the Arctic temperature exhibit was very unique

Workers were very nice...

Tzering_S, May 2025
Workers were very nice and informative. Loved the hagglund the most. Brendan was very informative and entertaining.

Fun activity

Wendy_M, Apr 2025
It was a great fun experience, with lots to do & see. Very interesting & hands on. Can easily spend several hours there.

We spend over three hours...

Rae, Apr 2025
We spent over three hours there! It was great! We appreciated being told about the 4D movie as we were waiting for the storm to get to not stand around.

From $43.49

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 19 days in advance.

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