Christchurch’s International Antarctic Centre, also known as the Antarctic Attraction is a sensational facility that realistically recreates the inhospitable but fascinating conditions of the world’s coldest continent. Providing visitors with an interactive, exciting and enjoyable experience the establishment is always a captivating place to visit.
Numerous indoor attractions are to be found at this sensational venue. The Gallery features a multitude of attractive displays depicting present day Antarctica, human influences in the region, plant and wildlife systems, Antarctica’s impact on the world and details of the Antarctic treaty. Visitors are encouraged to touch and feel the exhibits to gain maximum benefit from them.
A special feature at the centre are the i-Guides, which may be carried by visitors and provide a commentary in English, Korean, Japanese, Thai, French, German, Mandarin and Spanish.
The centre’s ‘4D Extreme Theatre’ provides the spectator with a state of the art interactive experience with viewers actually feeling water spray, falling snow, lightning, wind and bubbles with actual motion of the seats. Two thrilling 4D features are screened; ‘Ice Voyage’ and ‘The Curse of Skull Rock’.
The Snow & Ice Experience is perhaps the centre’s most exciting feature. The large indoor room is cooled to -5 Celsius and contains real ice and snow. Visitors may take refuge in an ice cave, slide down ice-lined slopes and, if you are truly bold, brave an Antarctic storm or the wind chill simulator which chills the temperature to a frigid -18 Celsius. The indoor attractions are completed by a sensational sound and light show titled ‘Beyond the Frozen Sunset’ which contains sensational footage of the frozen continent.
A ride across realistic terrain, which closely resembles the Antarctic surface aboard a Hagglund all terrain vehicle is an unforgettable experience at the centre.
Not to be missed is the Penguin Encounter, which enables guests to get up close with the lovable Little Blue penguins. The realistic environment which mimics nature includes a large pool for the benefit of the resident penguins. Many of these individuals have physical disabilities which would make them unable to survive in the wild.
Travellers to the city would do well to take advantage of Christchurch hotel packages such as those offered by the Copthorne Hotel Christchurch Central. This convenient hotel in Christchurch New Zealand provides comfortable accommodation amidst a pleasing environment.
