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You will see
- 4D movies
- Amazing displays of life in the frozen south
- Little Blue Penguins
Transport from the cruise ship to this attraction is not included in the ticket cost, you will need to make your own arrangements.
Embark on a journey through Antarctica without leaving Christchurch. 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.
You'll experience snow and ice, a storm, learn about life in modern day Antarctica and Scott Base, and hang out with Little Blue Penguins! There's also the famously exciting Hagglund ride and an awesome simulated 4D cruise plus heaps more!
Learn of the stories and hut legacies left by the great Antarctic explorers Scott and Shackleton and experience the stunning light and sound show of the four seasons of Antarctica. From daylight 24/7 to darkness 24/7, a 6 minute show is stunning, captivating and it "snows" every 6 minutes.
The SNOW & ICE EXPERIENCE is a safe all-weather indoor polar room is chilled to -5 degrees celsius and is fun for all ages! Slide down an icy slope, shelter in an ice cave, brave the wind chill machine at -18 degrees celsius, or get "exchillarated" in the Antarctic Storm that blows through every hour.
Try the amazing HAGGLUND RIDE, climb aboard for an adrenalin and fun filled ride on the amazing all terrain amphibious Antarctic vehicle - the Hagglund! Sit back, buckle up, hold on and prepare to experience what it's like travelling across rough terrain in this unique and exciting machine.
The Penguin Encounter is New Zealand's first combined indoor/outdoor Penguin viewing area with capacity to hold up to 26 Little Blue Penguins and allows visitors to view Little Blue Penguins in a Banks Peninsula natural-themed environment that can be accessed on two levels.
The HD MOVIE THEATRE shows 'Beyond the Frozen Sunset" on the massive HD screen featuring breathtaking scenery and follows a seasonal arc from sunset to sunrise weaving in its path elements of immensity that make up this earth's most inhospitable continent, Antarctica. The full movie is 17 minutes long and runs continuously in the HD theatre.
- Rides on the Hagglund
Not Included
- Any meals
- Transport from the cruise ship to this attraction is not included in the ticket cost, you will need to make your own arrangements.
Instructions
- Children under 5 have free admission
- Penguin feeding takes place at 10.30am and 3.30pm daily
- The ICE VOYAGE 4D movie shows on the hour from 11am to 4pm daily
- Unlimited Hagglund Rides included in the GENERAL ADMISSION pass ticket entry. Each ride last approximately 10 minutes. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Restrictions
- Children under 3 years cannot ride the Hagglund
- Children under 5 years may be disturbed by the large 3D wildlife and images appearing to come out of the screen in the 4D movie.
- Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult on the Hagglund ride.
Experience Schedule Options | ||
|---|---|---|
| start time | end time | |
| All day attraction | 09:00 | 16:30 |
Experience Prices (current) | |
|---|---|
| Adult price | NZ $69.00 |
| Child price (5 to 15 yrs) | NZ $45.00 |
NOTE: Prices may vary depending on your Date of Travel.
Our Booking procedures quote the applicable prices before you commit to a Booking.
How can I get to the Antarctic Centre from Akaroa?
Its a 90 minutes drive, so unless you have a self drive rental car, you will need to either book a private tour vehicle and guide, or join one of the Shuttle Coaches that offer transfers to Christchurch City, like our AKA-4 Christchurch direct shuttle.
Once in the city you can use the FREE "Penguin Express" or take a taxi, allow 20 minutes by taxi each way.
The Penguin Express shuttle pickup and dropoff stop is located outside the Museum and i-SITE in Rolleston Ave. The timetable is, Depart city (outside Museum, Rolleston Ave) on the hour from 9am to 4pm (Oct-Mar)
10am to 4pm (Apr-Sep).
The return timetable Departs Antarctic Centre for City on the half hour from 9.30am to 4.30pm (Oct-Mar) 10:30am to 4:30pm (Apr-Sep)
(Please note that due to continued roadworks in the CBD, timetable may not always run exactly to schedule)
Is the Hagglund ride comfortable?
We would not say that it is "comfortable" but it is safe, though it's not a ride for the terribly faint hearted, but the outdoor adventure course is uniquely designed to put the Hagglund through its paces in a fun but safe environment.
