We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.

Christchurch

Free Newsletter

Interested in Christchurch?

We'll send you updates with the latest deals, reviews and articles for Christchurch each week.

  • Save International Antarctic Center
  • E-mail this page

International Antarctic Center


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 3.0 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #21 of 150 attractions in Christchurch
Traveler Description: Experience real Antarctic weather conditions through advanced technology and interactive displays.
Familiar with International Antarctic Center? Write your own description and share what you know with other travelers.
Attraction type: Nature center, Educational site, Specialty museum
Activities: Viewing wildlife
Address: 38 Orchard Rd Christchurch
New Zealand
Tel: 64 3 353 7798
Fax: 64 3 353 7799

Reviews you can trust

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
Save Review
1 of 5 stars
FoodieXX   1 contribution
Wellington
Nov 29, 2009
1
person found this review helpful

Very disappointed with this place. Upon getting there, we find we have to pay for parking. This is in the centres own parking lot. The price seemed expensive for the centre - $55 each, but my partner hadn't seen snow before, and we were lead to beleive from some of the advertising that we would experience it in the "Antarctic... more

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
SusyQ88   1 contribution
Worcestershire, England
Sep 30, 2009

Just back from Christchurch well impressed with the centre - takes few hours to do properly - penguins sweet!!! - had good meal there too more

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
BCExplorer   255 contributions
Vancouver, BC
Aug 31, 2009
1
person found this review helpful

I was skeptical about the Antarctic Center because of a few lukewarm reviews and almost decided not to go because of the expense. In addition to admission there's also the added expense of getting out to the airport, but fortunately the shuttle was included when we bought tickets in advance at the i-site in cathedral square. First up we tested... more

Save Review
2 of 5 stars
Originalsweetone   31 contributions
Texas
Jul 24, 2009
1
person found this review helpful

The Centre has some interesting features, but it is just not worth the price of admission. We enjoyed the penguins and did the snowstorm. The Hagglund Ride was enjoyed by my husband & daughter, but the line was too slow for me to have time for a ride. The different levels of the exhibit were not very user friendly for... more

Save Review
2 of 5 stars
Hutt_Traveller   1 contribution
Wellington
Jul 18, 2009
1
person found this review helpful

If you haven't experienced snow or seen a penguin before pay a visit. The price for 2 adults & 1 child was $132. After visiting Kelly Tarltons & Melbourne Aquarium the penguin display was very disappointing - very cute though. On top of the entrance fee was an extra charge for the audio commentary. The Antarctic storm felt more like... more

Save Review
3 of 5 stars
veeveeg   3 contributions
Chicago
May 31, 2009

We went because we had just arrived in Christchurch and needed to stay awake in order to minimize jet lag. Being from Chicago, we were not impressed with the "arctic storm" simulation... but the penguin exhibit is really nice, esp because we didn't get to Dunedin on this trip. The Haggland ride was also fun. Overall, we thought it was... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
oldgolfers   2 contributions
england
May 26, 2009

Having just returned from over 3 months in New Zealand my wife and myself can truly say this was one of the highlights of our holiday. We both felt that this was the nearest experience we could get without actualy going there.Dont expect a Disney world Raz Ma Taz this is serious stuff with plenty of diversity. the ice room... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
blondee21   1 contribution
Christchurch
May 8, 2009

We had an amazing afternoon at the Antarctic Centre. The kids loved the storm and watching the feeding of the penguins. The hagglund ride was en-thrilling, so much that we queued up to go on it again ! I would definitely time your visit with the three daily penguin feedings as we did, as it can't be missed. Overall a... more

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
Richard043   2 contributions
Sydney
May 7, 2009

Our family really enjoyed our visit to the International Antarctic Center in Christchurch.Really interesting and suits the more inquisitive type of traveller who likes to explore and discover a place. The children loved The Storm & Snow Room as well as the penguins and the exciting ride which was a real buzz !!.. Our favourite area was the movie -... more

Save Review
3 of 5 stars
jayandirene   14 contributions
Manhattan Beach, CA
Mar 30, 2009

The penguin backstage show costs extra; they don't tell you that until you get there. And the last one is at 3:30 each day. Still, you can see them feed the penguins, which is fun. The cold-weather room is nice, but you're basically just walking around in a warehouse with fiberglass snow rocks. If it weren't as expensive, we wouldn't... more

Travelers Who Viewed This Attraction Also Viewed
No photo provided
Location: Christchurch, Canterbury
Price not available
Location: Christchurch, Canterbury
Price not available
Location: Christchurch, Canterbury
Price not available
Write Your Own Attraction Review

Been to International Antarctic Center? Share your experiences!

Write a Review
Add Photos
Add Videos

International Antarctic Center: Management Resources

TripAdvisor has free and easy resources to help you enhance your listing and promote your property.

  • Start Here - Visit Your Owners' Center
  • Add Photo
  • Add Video

International Antarctic Center Address

38 Orchard Rd, Christchurch, New Zealand
Tel: 64 3 353 7798 Fax: 64 3 353 7799