For individuals, couples, families, or groups looking for a fun, interactive and educational experience in Christchurch, the International Antarctic Centre is one to consider!

Located right beside Christchurch Airport, the International Antarctic Centre offers visitors the chance to experience a taste of Antarctica without having to travel to the ice itself. Christchurch is one of the world's gateways to Antarctica, and the Centre does a fantastic job of bringing that to life through a combination of immersive experiences, wildlife encounters, adventure activities and fascinating insights into Antarctic exploration and science.

One of the highlights for me was the Hägglund Field Trip. These impressive Antarctic vehicles are designed to handle some of the toughest terrain, and getting on board gives visitors a fun introduction to what it is like to travel across the Antarctic landscape. The ride includes hills, uneven terrain and water, making it a surprisingly exhilarating experience and certainly one of the more interactive ways to learn about Antarctic exploration. Heads up – if you have any back problems, I would give this a miss!

Another experience that really brings Antarctica to life is the Antarctic Storm. Visitors are taken into a specially designed environment where temperatures drop to around -8°C, with a wind chill of approximately -18°C. It may only be for a short time as it runs in intervals, but it certainly gives you an idea of how extreme the Antarctic environment can be!

For visitors wanting to get even more out of their visit, they offer guided tour’s which I would highly recommend. The guided experience combines the attractions with additional storytelling and insight from an Antarctic guide, providing a deeper understanding of the continent, its history, exploration and the people who work there.

Overall, the International Antarctic Centre is a fantastic Christchurch activity that combines education, adventure, wildlife and plenty of fun. It is accessible to a wide variety of visitors, doesn't require a high level of fitness and provides something different from the usual sightseeing experiences around the city.

Why we think the International Antarctic Centre is a great option for your clients:

• All weather activity – a great option to have in the itinerary regardless of the Christchurch forecast.
• Excellent option for families, with penguins, interactive displays, the Hägglund ride, Antarctic Storm and 4D Theatre providing plenty to keep younger visitors entertained.
• Convenient airport location, making it an easy addition to pre or post flight itineraries.
• No specialist experience or high level of fitness required, making the activities accessible to a broad range of travellers.
• Great option for filling a half day in Christchurch, particularly when weather or flight schedules are not on your side.