EXPRESS: Christchurch International Antarctic Centre Express - Akaroa Shore Excursion
- Duration: 6 Hours (approx.)
- Location: Akaroa, Canterbury
- Product code: AKA - SX - CHCIAC
Guests met at Port
Travel directly to Christchurch International Antarctic Centre (admission included).
Antarctic Centre Attractions
ANTARCTIC GALLERY - CHOOSE YOUR OWN ANTARCTIC ADVENTURE
Antarctica is the coldest, driest and windiest place on earth. It is the 5th largest continent, with 98% of its surface covered in ice. Vast, untouched, at once stunningly beautiful and incredibly dangerous, it has
captured imaginations and motivated quests for over a century.
Experience the sense of wonder up close in our Antarctic Gallery. This is an exhibition space purpose-built to educate and entertain. It conveys the scale of the continent while providing fascinating and awe-inspiring details.
You can see it all here. From enchanting penguins, seals and wildlife to spectacular seasonal light displays (aurora’s), stunning glaciers, ice formations and pressure ridges. Then there are the amazing stories of the intrepid Antarctic explorers, their lives measured in small steps across snow and giant victories against continents.
Here you’ll also learn about modern day Antarctica. There is insight into treaty arrangements, conservation efforts, wild life and sea life. You can see what life is like at Scott Base and experience what it’s like flying to Antarctica. You’ll also get the chance to see what it’s like out ‘in the field’ camping in polar tents on the ice, discover what’s on the menu and try on authentic Antarctic Extreme Cold Weather (ECW) clothing,
Antarctica is quite simply one of the world’s most amazing places. In this space you’ll discover a new appreciation for its untouched wilderness, incredible history and inspirational stories.
What you need to know:
The gallery includes a replica of air transport to the ice, so you can sit down and imagine the long journey south.
We recommend planning to stay for more than a brief stop here – you’ll be surprised what grabs your attention!
HUSKY ZONE
SCIENTISTS AGREE, THERE’S NOTHING IN THIS WORLD LIKE A CUDDLE WITH A HUSKY
The Husky Zone has been set up to give visitors a true hands-on experience with these incredible animals. Beautiful, intelligent and friendly, there’s no wonder these visitors rate our canines 10 out of 10.
The story of exploration in Antarctica is the story of the husky. When the bitter cold and brutal conditions proved unsuitable for horses, explorers looked for a tough, intelligent and hardworking travelling companion. Huskies stepped up to the job.
Since then they’ve been the main form of transport, pulling sleds for teams right up until 1994.
The Centre has partnered with Husky Rescue NZ to bring these gorgeous animals in to the International Antarctic
Centre. Visitors are welcome to sit down with them for cuddles and selfies – they’re very photogenic!
The huskies are at the International Antarctic Centre from 9.30am – 5pm (with a lunch break between 12.30 – 1.30pm).
What you need to know:
Our huskies provide great cuddles for the whole family – they love the attention!
Huskies are renowned for their fast pulling style of sleds.
Just because they’re great to experience here it doesn’t mean they’re always suitable as pets. Definitely do your research before adding to your family!
Certain boring scientists would possibly dispute the headline on this page. But what would they know?
HÄGGLUND FIELD TRIP
THIS IS ABOUT AS FAR ‘OFF ROAD’ AS YOU CAN GET…
It’s time to sit back, buckle up and hold on. Our unique outdoor adventure course has been designed to give an adrenalin-filled taste of the challenges driving across, through and over the icy continent.
You’ll be aboard the Hägglund, an amazing all-terrain amphibious Antarctic vehicle that’s been built to conquer the rough terrain on the ice.
This unique machine delivers an incomparable passenger experience. You’ll feel what it’s like for scientists in Antarctica as they travel across the ice, up and down hills, over crevasses and through water.
It’s a highly authentic journey. While not for the faint hearted, you can ride safe in the knowledge that our expert Hägglund drivers navigate the obstacles within a fun, thrilling, but ultimately safe environment.
What you need to know:
The Hägglund Field Trip is included in the General Admission ticket entry.
The “expedition” is approximately 15 minutes in duration.
We recommend that children should be at least 5 years old beforegoing on this ride.
All children must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 5 may ride at parent’s discretion. Children under 3 are not permitted.
For safety reasons personal discretion is advised. We do not recommend this ride for visitors with heart conditions, back or neck pain. If you are pregnant we recommend avoiding the ride (perhaps spend some extra time getting clucky with the penguins instead?)
STORM DOME
THE COLDEST, WINDIEST PLACE ON EARTH
When people ask you how cool your Antarctic Centre visit was you can confidently say, “minus 8º Celsius – but it felt closer to minus 20”.
To experience an Antarctic storm up close and personal you have two options. You can either embark on a gruelling expedition south to the ice. Or you can step through the door into our incredible indoor storm room to see what everyone (and their teeth) are chattering about.
This safe, fun-for-all-ages indoor polar room is chilled to -8 degrees Celsius and buffeted by a -18°Celsius wind chill machine. Every hour a chillingly realistic Antarctic storm blows through and you’ll be happy to shelter in an ice cave – and even happier that we’ve provided you with warm jackets and overshoes.
After the Antarctic Storm you can also let your hand take the ‘Polar Plunge Challenge’ and experience icy cold Antarctic water (if you think you’re cool enough).
What you need to know:
While protective clothing is provided it is advisable to avoid wearing sandals, jandals (thongs, to our Aussie friends) or any other type of open-toe shoe.
The room has a wind-chill temperature of minus 18 degrees Celsius (-0.4° Fahrenheit).
This experience is suitable for all ages and not dependant on weather (we provide our own).
4D THEATRE
THE MOVIE-WATCHING EXPERIENCE THAT HITS YOU ‘RIGHT IN THE FEELS’.
Ready to be shaken, jolted, sprayed and amazed? Our 4D theatre has all the thrills, spills and chills in an intense, immersive and in-your-face viewing experience.
It’s fun standing outside watching people leave the 4D theatre viewing as there are always lots of wide eyes and equally wide smiles. Many have no idea what they were sitting down to experience until the lights dimmed and the action started.
Our 4D theatre has it all. Over the course of a short film you’ll be wobbled in your seat, have mist and wind blown into your face, felt things grabbing at your legs and seen incredible 3D sights on the screen. It is a viewing experience that will leave you shaken and stirred – but in all the right ways.
What you need to know:
Entry to the 4D theatre is covered by your general admission ticket.
You’ll be provided with 3D glasses.
All children must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 5 may only view the film at the parent’s discretion.
For safety reasons personal discretion is advised. We do not recommend the 4D theatre for visitors with heart conditions, back or neck pain.
If you are pregnant we recommend avoiding the ride.
You will get a little wet. Most people find this fine. However if you like to complain when it’s drizzling outside we suggest instead spending some relaxing time in our HD theatre.
PENGUIN RESCUE
BIG HAPPINESS WITH OUR LITTLE BLUES
The kororā (or little blue penguin) is New Zealand’s smallest penguin and, in our expert opinion, it’s the cutest. Be it scuttling over rocks or diving for food these incredible birds are small in stature but big on entertaining.
As New Zealand’s first combined indoor and outdoor penguin viewing area we are proud of the environment we’ve created for our littlest team members.
Humans, dogs and other pests are all responsible for a negative impact on the survival rates of the little blue penguin. Their number in the wild is in decline and their conservation status is ‘at risk’.
That’s why we only house rescue penguins here. These are birds that have got into trouble in the big wide world or may be suffering from physical disabilities. Expert veterinarians assess each bird and those that don’t have the ability to defend themselves will find themselves amongst feathered friends at penguin sanctuaries like ours.
Penguin watching is one of those must-do things in life. However as the Little Blue Penguin is generally nocturnal there’s less chance to see them in action.
Penguin Rescue is New Zealand’s first combined indoor/outdoor Penguin viewing area with capacity to hold up to 26 Little Blue Penguins and allows visitors to view Little Blue Penguins in a Banks Peninsula natural-themed environment that can be accessed on two levels.
Each day at 10.30am and 3.30 pm
it’s feeding time. The best place to watch the feeding is from the outdoor viewing area or downstairs in the pool auditorium. At both spots you’ll get a good view of the table manners (or lack thereof) of these cute little birds – it’s the littlest biggest fun you’ll have here. At 1pm daily we also have our Penguin Talk.
What you need to know:
Penguin feeding times are 10.30am & 3.30pm daily with the Penguin Talk 1pm daily.·
Feeding times can sometimes vary. These are wild birds and we need to occasionally change times to suit their day. If there is a change in penguin feeding time the ticketing staff will let you know
The little blue penguin is also known as the kororā, it only grows to 43 cm, its average life span is 6.5 years and, while long-term relationships are normal, ‘divorce’ is not uncommon. Yup, things can get awkward.