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Thrills & Chills of Antarctic Exploration at the International Antarctic Center
Published by Jason Hussong, Writer
Country: New Zealand 
The Experience
The International Antarctic Center in Christchurch, New Zealand is a fantastic way to experience the thrills and chills of Antarctic exploration without ever going to the land of snow and ice. As Antarctic holidays for many aren’t exactly practical, the Antarctic Center can act as an excellent substitute. With several opportunities to learn and appreciate the continent’s history and environment, the International Antarctic Center makes for a great stop on any trip to the South Island of New Zealand.
Names like Shackleton, Scott, and Amundsen, along with so many others, are those explorers who’ve studied Antarctica for both the betterment of science and personal triumph. Life was hard for these men, and survival was questionable, as they spent full winters researching there, sometimes for many years in a row. The International Antarctic Center honors their memory from the Golden Age of Exploration by offering glimpses of what life was like on and around the ice.
Various other experiences, as opposed to history lessons of the brave explorers, are also available. One of the most chilling experiences is in a room where the staff whip up mock Antarctic winds, and drop the temperatures to freezing. This simulates what the conditions are like on Antarctic, however briefly, but don’t worry—coats and other gear is available to prepare you for the numbing encounter.
Outside the Antarctic Centre, a Hagglund ride is another exciting guest experience on tap, and a staff driver will traverse an obstacle course and recreate driving conditions in polar vehicles. It’s an entertaining ride that’s worth the extra ticket cost; you cut around sharp curves, roll up and down hills, and even bridge a crevasse to make it back to the Center.
Perhaps the best experience at The International Antarctic Center has to be the little blue penguins. While they’re not actually found in Antarctica, native only to Australia and New Zealand, the Fairy Penguins have their own exhibit here; rescued from injury and other dangerous situations to live safely and be cared for by trained staff. The birds are definitely an entertaining treat as they waddle around the display. A more complete display, which describes the differences between the various penguin species, is nearby.
The International Antarctic Center is also home to research programs for New Zealand, the United States and Italy, with offices, warehousing and training facilities close by. The area can be a flutter of activity as scientists and support staff departs or returns from trips to the ice. For the rest of us who aren’t venturing south for scientific research, and can’t afford such an expensive holiday themselves, the Center makes for an excellent stop to learn about and appreciate what life on Antarctica is really like, and why the environment is so fragile and special.
Names like Shackleton, Scott, and Amundsen, along with so many others, are those explorers who’ve studied Antarctica for both the betterment of science and personal triumph. Life was hard for these men, and survival was questionable, as they spent full winters researching there, sometimes for many years in a row. The International Antarctic Center honors their memory from the Golden Age of Exploration by offering glimpses of what life was like on and around the ice.
Various other experiences, as opposed to history lessons of the brave explorers, are also available. One of the most chilling experiences is in a room where the staff whip up mock Antarctic winds, and drop the temperatures to freezing. This simulates what the conditions are like on Antarctic, however briefly, but don’t worry—coats and other gear is available to prepare you for the numbing encounter.
Outside the Antarctic Centre, a Hagglund ride is another exciting guest experience on tap, and a staff driver will traverse an obstacle course and recreate driving conditions in polar vehicles. It’s an entertaining ride that’s worth the extra ticket cost; you cut around sharp curves, roll up and down hills, and even bridge a crevasse to make it back to the Center.
Perhaps the best experience at The International Antarctic Center has to be the little blue penguins. While they’re not actually found in Antarctica, native only to Australia and New Zealand, the Fairy Penguins have their own exhibit here; rescued from injury and other dangerous situations to live safely and be cared for by trained staff. The birds are definitely an entertaining treat as they waddle around the display. A more complete display, which describes the differences between the various penguin species, is nearby.
The International Antarctic Center is also home to research programs for New Zealand, the United States and Italy, with offices, warehousing and training facilities close by. The area can be a flutter of activity as scientists and support staff departs or returns from trips to the ice. For the rest of us who aren’t venturing south for scientific research, and can’t afford such an expensive holiday themselves, the Center makes for an excellent stop to learn about and appreciate what life on Antarctica is really like, and why the environment is so fragile and special.
When to Go to Antarctic Center
The International Antarctic Centre is open every day of the year (inc. Christmas Day), and is open from 9 a.m. The summer season runs from Oct 1 to March 31, and the winter season is from April 1 to Sept 30. The Centre and its attractions can get busy during the NZ school holiday periods.
If you have a few different dates in mind, remember the warmest months in New Zealand run from September through April, peaking during the summer months of December, January, and February. Typical temperatures during this time range from 15 ° C to 30 ° C. The fall (March through May) and winter (June through August) are also nice, but cooler between 5 ° C and 18 ° C.
If you have a few different dates in mind, remember the warmest months in New Zealand run from September through April, peaking during the summer months of December, January, and February. Typical temperatures during this time range from 15 ° C to 30 ° C. The fall (March through May) and winter (June through August) are also nice, but cooler between 5 ° C and 18 ° C.
Odds n' Ends
The International Antarctic Center is a great stop around flights in and out of the Christchurch International Airport. The building is right across the street from the airport, making it perfect for a quick half day visit before or after departure and arrival. A full day could be spent here, understanding and exploring the exhibits, but that's a bit of a stretch, so it works perfectly as a first or last stop on a trip to New Zealand's South Island.
There are several ticket options at the Center. It's not necessary to purchase tickets in advance, but it's a good idea to see what's available before you go so you can budget appropriately as a behind-the-scenes tour can be a bit expensive at NZ$75. Regular adult and family group admissions, if you're bringing the kids, are available to help make the experience more affordable.
There are several ticket options at the Center. It's not necessary to purchase tickets in advance, but it's a good idea to see what's available before you go so you can budget appropriately as a behind-the-scenes tour can be a bit expensive at NZ$75. Regular adult and family group admissions, if you're bringing the kids, are available to help make the experience more affordable.
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