International Antarctic Centre facts for kids
International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch
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| Establishment | |
| Genre | Scientific research and public displays |
| Founded | 28 September 1990 |
| Headquarters |
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New Zealand
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Area served
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Christchurch, Antarctica |
| Services | Supporting Antarctic scientific programmes and entertaining tourists (both domestic and international) |
| Owner | Real Journeys |
The International Antarctic Centre is a super cool place in Christchurch, New Zealand. It's located near the Christchurch International Airport. This centre is one of the most popular tourist spots in the city. It helps scientists explore Antarctica and also lets visitors experience what it's like there!
Contents
What You Can Do at the Centre
The International Antarctic Centre is a busy hub. It's where the New Zealand, United States, and Italian Antarctic research teams are based. This means it has offices, storage areas, and even a special clothing store for people going to Antarctica. There's also a post office and a travel agency.
But the most exciting part for visitors is 'The Antarctic Attraction'. This area is packed with fun and educational things to see and do.
Explore the Antarctic Attraction
Inside 'The Antarctic Attraction', you can find amazing exhibits about Antarctica. There's also a café and a bar if you get hungry or thirsty.
One of the coolest activities is the Hagglund Ride. You get to ride in a special vehicle called a Hagglund. These vehicles are still used in Antarctica today! The ride takes you around the centre's grounds. It's a fun way to see how these tough vehicles move over different types of land. It's great for all ages, especially kids, to learn about Antarctic travel.
Experience an Antarctic Snow Storm
Imagine being in a real snow storm! The centre has an Antarctic snow storm room where you can feel what it's like. It's a chilly and exciting experience! There are also awesome videos and displays that show you more about Antarctica.
Meet Little Blue Penguins
Don't miss the NZ Penguin Encounter! Here, you can see adorable little blue penguins. The centre even helps penguins from the wild that need care. Sometimes, these rescued penguins get famous, like 'Morgan', a penguin who once made headlines for not wanting to swim!
Awards and Recognition
The International Antarctic Centre has won some special awards! In 2009, it was named the top winner in the "Champion Host" category at the Canterbury Champion Awards Dinner. This award recognized the centre for being a fantastic place for visitors. It was a big honour, shared with other great places like Whale Watch Kaikoura and Canterbury Museum.
Who Owns the Centre?
The International Antarctic Centre used to be owned by Christchurch Airport. But in 2015, a tourism company called Real Journeys bought it. Now, the centre is part of the Wayfare Group, which is a privately-owned company.
