The International Antarctic Center, which is just outside of Christchurch Airport is one of New Zealand’s best attractions, which is filled with authentic collections that explore the environment, wildlife, history, and programs within the continent. Visitors of all ages are able to interact with these exciting exhibits while experiencing real snow and ice. The center is a destination that promotes both fun and education about the mysterious continent of Antarctica.
The Christchurch International Airport founded the center in 1990 for the purpose of creating a place to show people why the airport was important in relation to Antarctic scientific programs. Warren Mahoney was contracted to design the building and Tim Hobson was asked to create a visitor attraction based on his time knowledge and experiences in Antarctica. Since the centers opening in 1992, it has won many awards for being a successful educational museum for tourists in New Zealand.
There are a variety of exhibits at the Antarctic Center that explore the different characteristics of the southern continent of Antarctica. These collections include 4 Seasons of Antarctica, Antarctic Storm, Penguin Encounter, Husky Zone, Ice Voyage, Hagglund Ride, HD Theatre, and the Antarctic Gallery. Beginning with the exhibit of 4 Seasons of Antarctica, visitors are able to see the extremes of daylight and darkness throughout various periods of the year as artificial snowfalls on to them. To find out more about weather patterns in Antarctic Storm guests are able to experience an indoor blizzard, which is set at the temperature of -5 degrees Celsius. The liveliest feature at the Antarctic Center is the Penguin Encounter, it is home to 26 little Blue Penguins, and they can be viewed in an environment that replicates their natural environment. One of the most beloved sections of the center is the Husky Zone; guests are invited to get up-close and personal with these beautiful dogs. The Husky dogs were an important part of Antarctic history, due to previously being the main source of transport until the 1990’s. To learn more about animals, the Ice Voyage exhibit is a film with 4D effects that simulates a cruise to Antarctica and showcases a variety of landscapes, and animal close ups. The Hagglund Ride provides visitors with an authentic experience of travelling across the rough terrain on the continent as it simulates the experience that scientists have had riding over mounds and across ice. The HD Theatre plays ‘Beyond the Frozen Sunset’ which is filmed by award winning filmmaker Mike Single. The journey features incredible scenery within the imsense elements in the most inhospitable continent. The final exhibit is The Antarctic Gallery; guests are able to learn more about the characteristics of the continent that is almost completely covered by ice through exhibits on conservation, treaty partners, wild life and sea life. Within all of the various components in the center visitors can learn about the world’s most untouched wilderness.
The International Antarctic Center is a place that strongly supports learning and offers many different educational programs. As the most undiscovered continent on the earth, it is a hub of discovery due to its’ difficult environment, cold temperatures, stormy ocean, and breathtaking scenery. The center encourages sense of wonder about Antarctica through its programs such as NZAEE Sea Week Programme, Tertiary Education, Community Education, and school programs. Aimed towards teaching students of all ages, the NZAEE Sea Week is an immersive experience that allows youth to discover Antarctica. Topics such as the ‘conversation of penguins’ are explored in depth and students are able to collaborate ideas surrounding how to prevent injured penguins from hazards in the sea. Tertiary Education focuses on providing programs tailored to various groups, which focuses on aspects of travel, some of these include tourism and living or working in Antarctica. Community Education is open to groups up to 120 people and specialists create an engaging learning environment that is suitable for guests of all ages. Focusing on students in primary and secondary education, there are education programs catered to enchanting their learning experience. Through talks, hands-on, and interactive exhibits on the topics of geographical, political, physical, and cultural aspects of Antarctica children are stimulated intellectually. The center believes that education is instrumental to the economic and social status of the local community in Christchurch, and is active in encouraging the public to participate in educational programs. All visitors are encouraged to expand their knowledge about one of the most fascinating places in the world.
38 I Rd, Orchard, Christchurch 8052, Phone: +64-33-57-05-19
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