The International Antarctic Attraction

The Antarctic Attraction is the modern day shop window for Antarctica. This is a fun, exciting and hands-on experience for all the family to enjoy. This includes the indoor Snow & Ice Experience, the Penguin Encounter which is New Zealand's first combined indoor/outdoor penguin viewing area featuring Little Blue penguins and an exhilarating outdoor adventure ride in the Hagglund, a genuine Antarctic all-terrain vehicle.

FROM NZ $36.00

> Send Enquiry

+ Show on Map
+ Add to my trip planner

The Antarctic Attraction at the International Antarctic Centre, located next to Christchurch International Airport allows you to experience Antarctica in a fun, exciting all weather environment. Experience real Antarctic conditions with Audiovisual and Touch Screen technology and feel 'genuine' Antarctic wind chill or slide down a snow slope in the Snow & Ice Experience.

The New Zealand Penguin Encounter is New Zealand's first combined indoor/outdoor penguin viewing area with capacity to hold up to 26 rescued Little Blue penguins in a Banks Peninsula natural themed environment that can be accessed on two levels. While you're enjoying the attraction, take the chance to enjoy the great Antarctic Haggland Ride.

The International Antarctic Centre, twice winner of the prestigious NZ Tourism Awards for Best Attraction also offers exclusive Antarctic Product in the Antarctic Shop and delicious meals in the Cafe and Bar. Meeting rooms available. Spacious function area for themed events.

You can now follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Hours of Operation

1 Oct – 31 Mar 9.00am – 7.00pm, 1 Apr – 30 Sep 9.00am – 5.30pm

Directions

We are a short 5-minute walk from the Christchurch Airport terminals. Follow the blue footprints starting outside the international arrivals terminal. They will lead you right to our door! Alternatively we have a free shuttle to and from the terminal, which can be arranged by calling at our "Next Stop Antarctica" shop in the domestic terminal.

Methods of Payment

Visa
Mastercard
Amex
JCB
Eftpos
Diners

> Submit Recommendation

Guest Recommendations

meg-ross

Australia

"WOW! We loved our time at the Antarctic Centre. The penguins were lovely; we didn't expect to see them so close-up. The peepholes were a special find. We we're blown-away in the snow storm - kids loved the igloo and iceslide. But my all-time favourite was the ride in the haggland. Screaming fun! Could have spent much longer here than the 2 hours we allocated to the trip. Now we have amazing photos. Thanks so much!"

> Submit Photo

Visitor Photos

There are no images available for this location.

> Submit Video

Visitor Video

There are no images available for this location.

Address:

38 Orchard Road
Christchurch Airport
Harewood 8053
Christchurch

Phone:

+64 3 353 7798

Free Phone:

0508 736 4846 (NZ only)

Fax:

+64 3 353 7799

> View Website
> Send Email

Our Location

38 Orchard Road, Christchurch Airport, New Zealand

Duration

Allow for 3 - 4 hours

Departures

Open 9am - 7pm Oct-March 9am-5.30pm April-Sept

We Provide

Warm Jackets, over shoes for snow and ice room.

Transport

FREE daily shuttle, the Penguin Express, departs hourly from 9am from Christchurch Cathedral Square to the centre.

Add a recommendation

Thank you for your feedback and for sharing your experiences with us and those enjoying the CCT website!

To submit your user recommendations please enter a user name (this will appear on our site), your email address and where you are from. Then write your comments in the box provided. Once you have read the terms and conditions and are happy with them - make sure you tick the 'accept' box and click submit.

*Please note you may not be able to view your comments for up to two working days once they have been submitted.

Fields marked with * are mandatory

User Name
User Location

User Email
User Comment
Yes, I have read & accept the terms and condtions

While you're here you could also...

> View all

Follow our Suggested Iteneraries

Steeped in History

Explore Christchurch & Canterbury's rich heritage and discover how the past shaped the region we know and love today.

> Read More

Region
Check in Select a depart date
Number of nights

Plan and book yourself an amazing holiday in the South Island.

Click the ADD TO MY TRIP PLANNER link to add items of interest to your Trip Planner - review & book!

> Open My Trip Planner

> View all in my Trip Planner