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.

Forget the playground… These school holidays, become a penguin keeper instead!Get behind the scenes at the International...
14/09/2026

Forget the playground… These school holidays, become a penguin keeper instead!

Get behind the scenes at the International Antarctic Centre, meet our Kororā little penguins and find out what it really takes to care for them.

Perfect for curious kids, budding animal lovers and anyone who thinks penguins are basically the coolest.

School holiday bookings are limited, so grab a spot before they waddle off.
 
Book now: www.iceberg.co.nz/school-holiday-programmes/

Antarctic Explorer Spotlight: Roald AmundsenBack in 1911, there was a race to the South Pole, and Norwegian explorer Roa...
31/08/2026

Antarctic Explorer Spotlight: Roald Amundsen

Back in 1911, there was a race to the South Pole, and Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen was determined to get there first.

On 14 December 1911, Amundsen and his team reached the South Pole, becoming the first people to do so; just over a month before Robert Falcon Scott and his team.

A big part of Amundsen’s success came down to preparation. He’d spent years learning from Indigenous people in the Arctic and working out what would give his team the best chance of making it across the ice. And one of his biggest advantages? Dogs.

While other expeditions used ponies or had people hauling their own sledges, Amundsen’s team used sled dogs to help them cover the huge distances across Antarctica.

And they didn’t just make it to the Pole; Amundsen and his team made it safely back to base too.

A pretty incredible achievement, especially when you consider what they were up against.

Feeling like an Antarctic adventure?Mates Rates members can now get 30% off online General Admission tickets to the Inte...
12/08/2026

Feeling like an Antarctic adventure?

Mates Rates members can now get 30% off online General Admission tickets to the International Antarctic Centre!

Come experience an Antarctic storm, meet the huskies, see our little penguins, jump aboard the Hägglunds and see what all the fuss is about.

Just make sure you’ve signed up to Mates Rates first and are logged in when you book, otherwise the discount won’t apply.

It’s free to join and the 30% off is available until 30 August, for visits up until 30 September.

See you in Antarctica! (Or as close as you can get).

Ts & Cs apply.

Iceberg.co.nz/mates-rates

Antarctic Explorer Spotlight: Sir Douglas Mawson Imagine finally making it back to base after a gruelling journey across...
12/08/2026

Antarctic Explorer Spotlight: Sir Douglas Mawson

Imagine finally making it back to base after a gruelling journey across Antarctica… only to discover your ship had left just hours earlier.

That was the reality for Australian geologist and Antarctic explorer Sir Douglas Mawson.

During the Australasian Antarctic Expedition between 1911–1914, Mawson, Belgrave Ninnis and Xavier Mertz, were travelling across the ice when Ninnis fell into a deep crevasse; taking most of their food and equipment with him.

Mawson and Mertz were left hundreds of kilometres from base with almost nothing.

Sadly, Mertz eventually died, leaving Mawson to make the journey back alone, battling extreme exhaustion and severe injuries along the way.

When Mawson finally reached the expedition’s base, he discovered the ship he was supposed to be on, had already departed!

He was forced to spend another year in Antarctica before he could finally return home.

Mawson’s legacy lives on in Antarctica today with Australia’s Mawson Station named in his honour.

07/08/2026

If you missed our 50% locals offer, there’s still something cool on the horizon.

If you’re a Canterbury local, then sign up to Mates Rates for free and unlock our next exclusive offer for Mates Rates members. You’ll want to be on the list when it lands…

Don’t get left out in the cold, join today: iceberg.co.nz/mates-rates

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.

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

Website

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