International Antarctic Centre

International Antarctic Centre The International Antarctic Centre is the world’s premiere Antarctic experience! Brrrr! Then prepare for real funs!
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One of New Zealand's best tourist attractions, the International Antarctic Centre provides visitors of all ages with an interactive, fun and exciting experience of Antarctica. From the minute you venture through the alluring icy entrance, you'll be captivated by the magic that is, Antarctica. Learn of the Historic Hut legacies left by the great Antarctic explorers and experience the stunning light

and sound show of the Antarctic's 4-seasons where it snows every 6 minutes. Venture through Scott Base, New Zealand's base down on the ice and head outside to 'Antarctica', where it's a stunning Summers day at minus 8 degrees Celcius. Warm jackets are provided, because an Antarctic storm blows through 'Antarctica' regularly and wind chills get down to minus 18 degrees Celcius! Take the Polar Plunge challenge and see how long you can hold your hand in the icy Antarctic water.....

Our Little Blues. With daily room servicing and a diet consisting exclusively of imported fish, the world's smallest penguins enjoy a pretty cushy life here at the Antarctic Centre! The Penguin Encounter allows visitors to view Little Blue Penguins in a natural-themed environment. The Penguins held here are birds that have been rescued and cared for, some since they were chicks. Buckle up for the ride of your life across rough terrain in the unique and exciting all terrain amphibious Hagglund! "Ice Voyage" is an exciting 4D EXTREME experience that will take you on a simulated cruise around Antarctica. From the 18 April, Happy Feet 4D will also be showing in the 4D theatre. Come and join Mumble and friends for a bit of fun! In the Gallery, you'll learn about modern day Antarctica, including the Antarctic Treaty partners, the human impact on the continent, the wildlife and plant systems and Antarctica’s effect on the globe. The gallery is full of tactile, visual and interactive experiences.

'Beyond the Frozen Sunset' is a 17 min HD movie of stunning images and footage covering a seasonal arc from sunset to sunrise. The International Antarctic Centre - it's the coolest fun in town and quite possibly the closest you;ll get to Antarctica without mounting your own expedition! Allow 2-3 hours to fully enjoy your Antarctic experience.

Final Days! ⏰This is your last chance to take advantage of our 50% off Canterbury Locals deal before it ends this Sunday...
30/07/2026

Final Days! ⏰

This is your last chance to take advantage of our 50% off Canterbury Locals deal before it ends this Sunday, 2 Aug.

If you’ve been thinking about visiting, now’s the time.

Book ahead: iceberg.co.nz/canterbury-locals

Antarctic Explorer Spotlight: Sir Edmund HillaryMost people know Sir Edmund Hillary as one of the first people to summit...
29/07/2026

Antarctic Explorer Spotlight: Sir Edmund Hillary

Most people know Sir Edmund Hillary as one of the first people to summit Mount Everest, but did you know he also made history in Antarctica?

In 1958, Hillary led the New Zealand support team for the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition and became the first person to drive vehicles to the South Pole. Using modified Ferguson tractors, his team travelled across the icy continent to reach the Pole, making history along the way.

Hillary’s achievements helped shape New Zealand’s proud Antarctic legacy, with Christchurch continuing to play a vital role as a gateway to the icy continent.

Final week! ⏰Canterbury locals, this is your last chance to make the most of 50% off General Admission before the offer ...
27/07/2026

Final week! ⏰

Canterbury locals, this is your last chance to make the most of 50% off General Admission before the offer ends this Sunday 2 August.

Experience an unforgettable day at the International Antarctic Centre with the Storm Experience, Hägglunds ride, rescued little penguins, huskies, 4D theatre and more.

Book online now and don’t miss your chance to save 50%.

Iceberg.co.nz

Offer ends Sunday, 2 August. Available to Canterbury residents only. T&Cs apply.

Antarctic Explorer Spotlight: Sir Ernest ShackletonSir Ernest Shackleton never actually reached the South Pole, but he’s...
16/07/2026

Antarctic Explorer Spotlight: Sir Ernest Shackleton

Sir Ernest Shackleton never actually reached the South Pole, but he’s remembered as one of history’s greatest Antarctic explorers.

When his ship, Endurance, was crushed by ice, Shackleton led one of the most incredible survival stories ever told. He and five crew members sailed more than 1,300km across the Southern Ocean in a tiny 6.9m lifeboat to find help and thanks to his determination and leadership, every member of his expedition survived!

His resilience, courage and leadership continue to inspire people around the world and his story is still studied today…

🌟 Mānawatia a Matariki 🌟A happy coincidence! This photo, taken outside the International Antarctic Centre on the Antarct...
09/07/2026

🌟 Mānawatia a Matariki 🌟

A happy coincidence! This photo, taken outside the International Antarctic Centre on the Antarctic campus last year, captured more than we first realised. If you zoom in, you’ll spot the Matariki star cluster above the left building, shining in the morning sky.

Wishing you and your whānau a wonderful Matariki.

📸: Jamie Giddens

If you’re going to be stuck inside, you may as well spend it with the huskies! 🤩Our furry team are always ready to brigh...
07/07/2026

If you’re going to be stuck inside, you may as well spend it with the huskies! 🤩

Our furry team are always ready to brighten your day, and there’s plenty more to discover these school holidays; from little penguins to an Antarctic storm experience.

Plus, for a limited time, Canterbury locals get 50% off General Admission: iceberg.co.nz/canterbury-locals

Now that’s something to smile about!

Did you know, during Antarctica’s summer (October - February), some regions experience 24 hours of daylight because of E...
29/06/2026

Did you know, during Antarctica’s summer (October - February), some regions experience 24 hours of daylight because of Earth’s tilt, while in winter (March - September) the sun can stay below the horizon for months, creating long stretches of darkness known as polar night.

Only a few days left! 🎨To celebrate the launch of our new joint Wild & Ice Annual Membership with Willowbank Wildlife Re...
25/06/2026

Only a few days left! 🎨

To celebrate the launch of our new joint Wild & Ice Annual Membership with Willowbank Wildlife Reserve we’re running a design competition for children aged 5–15 to submit their artwork for the membership card and go in the draw to win a Family Wild & Ice Annual Membership.

The winning artwork will become the official Wild & Ice membership card, used by members of both the International Antarctic Centre and Willowbank.

Grab a design form from either attraction or online: willowbank.co.nz/joint-annual-membership

Entries close this Sunday — we can’t wait to see your creations!

Looking for something different these school holidays?Our Penguin Keeper Programme gives young animal lovers aged 10–13 ...
22/06/2026

Looking for something different these school holidays?

Our Penguin Keeper Programme gives young animal lovers aged 10–13 the chance to go behind the scenes and learn what it takes to care for our little blue penguins.

Kids will spend the day alongside our Penguin Keepers, help with daily routines, explore areas not usually open to visitors, and discover more about these incredible birds!

Places are limited, so bookings are essential: https://www.iceberg.co.nz/education/school-holiday-programmes/

Address

38 Orchard Road
Christchurch
8053

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm
Saturday 9am - 4:30pm
Sunday 9am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+6433570519

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