International Antarctic Center, Christchurch (must see)
The International Antarctic Centre, located in the Harewood suburb of Christchurch, is a public science center focused on Antarctica. It offers a special look into the distant, icy world of the Antarctic. Positioned conveniently at Christchurch International Airport, it's close to the operational bases for the Antarctic programs of the United States, New Zealand, and Italy, making it a crucial hub for polar exploration and research.
This campus includes offices, warehouses, a shared American/New Zealand clothing store, a post office, a travel agency, and the Antarctic Passenger Terminal. This setup not only supports the logistical needs of Antarctic expeditions but also enhances the visitor experience with practical and educational facilities. The architectural design by Barry Dacombe of Warren & Mahoney features the visitor center building as a series of fan-shaped structures of varying heights, resembling large ice wedges, capturing the essence of Antarctica.
The Centre offers a wide range of exhibits and attractions aimed at educating and entertaining visitors of all ages. Highlights include an Antarctic snowstorm room for an immersive weather experience, audiovisual displays showcasing the continent, and the chance to meet husky dogs. Visitors can also enjoy rides in Hägglunds all-terrain vehicles, providing a taste of Antarctic exploration. A notable feature is the little blue penguins exhibit, reflecting the Centre's commitment to conservation by providing a sanctuary for penguins in need.
With its various attractions, including a café and bar for relaxation, the International Antarctic Centre embodies the spirit of exploration and emphasizes the importance of understanding the southernmost continent. Serving as both a gateway to Antarctica and an educational platform, it promotes awareness and appreciation of the polar environment and its global significance.
This campus includes offices, warehouses, a shared American/New Zealand clothing store, a post office, a travel agency, and the Antarctic Passenger Terminal. This setup not only supports the logistical needs of Antarctic expeditions but also enhances the visitor experience with practical and educational facilities. The architectural design by Barry Dacombe of Warren & Mahoney features the visitor center building as a series of fan-shaped structures of varying heights, resembling large ice wedges, capturing the essence of Antarctica.
The Centre offers a wide range of exhibits and attractions aimed at educating and entertaining visitors of all ages. Highlights include an Antarctic snowstorm room for an immersive weather experience, audiovisual displays showcasing the continent, and the chance to meet husky dogs. Visitors can also enjoy rides in Hägglunds all-terrain vehicles, providing a taste of Antarctic exploration. A notable feature is the little blue penguins exhibit, reflecting the Centre's commitment to conservation by providing a sanctuary for penguins in need.
With its various attractions, including a café and bar for relaxation, the International Antarctic Centre embodies the spirit of exploration and emphasizes the importance of understanding the southernmost continent. Serving as both a gateway to Antarctica and an educational platform, it promotes awareness and appreciation of the polar environment and its global significance.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Christchurch. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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International Antarctic Center on Map
Sight Name: International Antarctic Center
Sight Location: Christchurch, New Zealand (See walking tours in Christchurch)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Christchurch, New Zealand (See walking tours in Christchurch)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Christchurch, New Zealand
Create Your Own Walk in Christchurch
Creating your own self-guided walk in Christchurch is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Statues and Memorials Tour
Although Christchurch is not very large, it has a wealth of public art heritage. Although ravaged by a powerful earthquake in 2011, which caused severe damage to many local attractions, Christchurch nonetheless has retained much of its charm and has a lot to offer visitors in terms of sightseeing. Indeed, there is no shortage of beautiful buildings, parks, gardens and other places of interest... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Christchurch Introduction Walking Tour
Captain James Cook was not the first person to discover New Zealand. There is evidence that the Christchurch area was visited by groups of moa-hunting people as early as 1250 AD.
They were followed by the Waitaha from the east coast of the North Island in the 16th century. In a series of wars Waitaha were displaced by the Ngati Mamoe, who in turn were conquered by the Ngai Tahu. The Europeans... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
They were followed by the Waitaha from the east coast of the North Island in the 16th century. In a series of wars Waitaha were displaced by the Ngati Mamoe, who in turn were conquered by the Ngai Tahu. The Europeans... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles