Name: International Antarctic Centre
Address: Corner Roy Place and, Orchard Road, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch 8052, New Zealand, Christchurch, 8052, NZ
Telephone: 03 357 0519

The International Antarctic Centre, next to Christchurch Airport, brings a slice of the ice continent indoors with real snow, rescued little blue penguins and a husky zone. Kids get to bounce through the Storm Experience (a simulated Antarctic blizzard, warm jackets provided), watch penguins being fed, and pat retired sled dogs from Husky Rescue NZ.

The big draw for most families is the Hägglund ride, a bumpy trip round an outdoor course in a real Antarctic all-terrain vehicle, though riders need to be at least 1.2 metres tall. There's also a 4D theatre and galleries on Antarctic history and science for older kids. Most families spend two to three hours here, and it's a solid wet-weather option since almost everything is under cover.

There's a café on site, plenty of free parking, and prams are fine to bring though the centre can feel tight in spots when it's busy. Under-16s need to be with an adult throughout.

Opening hours

Sunday Today 09:00 – 16:30

Monday Today 09:00 – 16:30

Tuesday Today 09:00 – 16:30

Wednesday Today 09:00 – 16:30

Thursday Today 09:00 – 16:30

Friday Today 09:00 – 16:30

Saturday Today 09:00 – 16:30

Location

International Antarctic Centre

Corner Roy Place and, Orchard Road, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch 8052

Get directions