Blue penguin colony at Christchurch's International Antarctic Centre

International Antarctic Centre

Christchurch, New Zealand

Nature OutdoorsAdventureFamily Friendly

Would you do this?

Duration3 hrs

EffortEasy

BudgetMid-Range

PriceUSD 35

StyleSelf-Guided

Best monthsNov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

About This Activity

Christchurch has been the main Antarctic logistics hub since 1955, with US, New Zealand, and Italian bases all operating through here. The International Antarctic Centre next to the airport provides an immersive introduction to life on The Ice. Highlights include the 4D Antarctic Storm experience (genuine -18°C wind chill and snow), Hagglund amphibious vehicle rides, and encounters with the resident colony of little blue penguins recovering from injury. Interactive galleries cover Antarctic science, wildlife, and exploration history. Allow 2–3 hours. Adult general admission from NZ$59.

Seasonal note: Open year-round; penguin colony is resident year-round.

See This in an Itinerary

This activity appears in 64 of our curated itineraries.

Best 5 Days in New Zealand

Auckland → Wellington → Rotorua → Christchurch

Day 4 · 4 cities · 8 activities

Best 5 Days in New Zealand — Food & Wine

Auckland → Wellington → Rotorua → Christchurch

Day 4 · 4 cities · 8 activities

Best 5 Days in New Zealand — Nature

Auckland → Wellington → Rotorua → Christchurch

Day 4 · 4 cities · 8 activities

Best 5 Days in New Zealand — Romantic

Auckland → Wellington → Rotorua → Christchurch

Day 4 · 4 cities · 8 activities

Best 5 Days in New Zealand — Adventure

Auckland → Wellington → Rotorua → Christchurch

Day 4 · 4 cities · 8 activities

Best 5 Days in New Zealand — Family Friendly

Auckland → Wellington → Rotorua → Christchurch

Day 4 · 4 cities · 8 activities

More Activities in Christchurch

Akaroa harbour with the Banks Peninsula hills in the background

Akaroa French Village & Hector's Dolphin Cruise

Day trip to Akaroa — New Zealand's only French settlement in a volcanic harbour, home to the world's rarest dolphin

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Stroll through 30 hectares of free gardens on the Avon River — roses, ferneries, and optional Avon River punting

Christchurch Transitional Cathedral made from cardboard tubes

Transitional Cathedral (Cardboard Cathedral)

Visit the iconic cardboard-tube cathedral — Christchurch's symbol of post-earthquake resilience, designed by Shigeru Ban

Gothic revival Arts Centre buildings in Christchurch

Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora

Explore the restored Gothic Revival Arts Centre with galleries, artist studios, and cafes in central Christchurch

Hagley Park Walk

Stroll through 165 hectares of Hagley Park — Christchurch's vast green heart, framing the Botanic Gardens and Avon River

Free Day in Christchurch

A free day to explore Christchurch — punting on the Avon, street art, the Riverside Market, or a drive to the Port Hills