International Antarctic Center, Christchurch

The International Antartic Center is a must-visit attraction in Christchurch. Situated by the Airport, it IS quite a distance to travel if like me you dont have your own transport, but the aiport shuttle bus from the cathedral square DOES drop you right outside. It attracted me as it explores a relatively unknown world, in an informative yet exciting way.
There are plenty of good price deals available (ask in the town centre visitor centre) ...
...attractions plus the hagglund ride) is the best value to make a day of it.
The indoor attractions include a very realistic 'Scott Base' with interactive exhibits and photography of the wild icy continent, a sound and light show that captures the loneliness of the antarctic, and the thrilling " Snow and Ice Experience" where you don big winter coats, hats, gloves and overshoes, and step into a manmade polar room, where you stand ... more

The International Antartic Center is a must-visit attraction in Christchurch. Situated by the Airport, it IS quite a distance to travel if like me you dont have your own transport, but the aiport shuttle bus from the cathedral square DOES drop you right outside. It attracted me as it explores a relatively unknown world, in an informative yet exciting way.
There are plenty of good price deals available (ask in the town centre visitor centre) and one of the combo tickets (which includes the indoor attractions plus the hagglund ride) is the best value to make a day of it.
The indoor attractions include a very realistic 'Scott Base' with interactive exhibits and photography of the wild icy continent, a sound and light show that captures the loneliness of the antarctic, and the thrilling " Snow and Ice Experience" where you don big winter coats, hats, gloves and overshoes, and step into a manmade polar room, where you stand around feeling a bit of a wally as a man counts down, then suddenly it gets extremely cold and windy! It does go on for quite a while, but there is an "ice slide" in the middle for kids to entertain themselves. the group of schoolchildren who were in there with us were having so much fun on the slide they didnt seem to notice the cold at all!!!
The normal museumy bits of the centre were very simple to use and understand, and there was an option of hiring a 'snowphone' to take around with you if you dont feel like reading the signs. I was disappointed however, to find that although there were pictures of penguins everywhere, the only ones evident at that time were stuffed ones! But never fear, penguin fans, I have heard a rumour that they are actually going to have a new building with real penguins in opening this autumn!
The best part of the centre, in my opinion, was the 'hagglund' ride. this strange machine on tracks like a tank took us outside the centre and then suddenly over an assault course! lots of bouncing around and screaming going on in the back, so not for the fainthearted! Still, it made the experience for me, and I would recommend this center for any visitors to Christchurch who have a spare day and want something to entertain kids and big kids alike!! 

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