International Antarctic center
 

Has anyone any experience with this tourist attraction in Christchurch? Is it worth the time and $$? Thanks far all opinions in advance!

We had a few hours before our flight from Christchurch to Auckland last December and visited the International Antarctic Center. We spent about two hours and really enjoyed it. The cost was $18.00 NZ or about $7.65 US (we received a coupon for complimentary tea or coffee at their restaurant). <BR><BR>The International Antarctic Center is just a few minutes from the Airport. It has free parking and also a shuttle to and from the airport.<BR><BR>The Center was extremely informative and very well presented.

I agree with Sherri. We found it to be very educational and interesting. All the exhibits are well-designed and high-tech.

We will have two days in Christchurch in July and I would be grateful for any other sightseeing ideas anyone might have as well as the Antarctic Centre.

Of course, you need to visit the coloful Cathedral Square in the center of town. Nearby is the Southern Encounter Aquarium, which is small, but quite nicely laid-out. For a little R & R, you could visit Queen Elizabeth II Park, which has, among other attractions, a giant indoor 3-pool complex, complete with water slides. Not too far out of town, beyond the airport (where the Antarctic Centre is located), you will find the Orana Wildlife Reserve, a nice and very low-key zoo with large paddocks for mostly African Savannah wildlife. Also, if you have enough time, consider taking a drive up to Porters and Arthurs Pass, in the Southern Alps.

We went to the Christchurch Antarctic centre last September. It was well worth the money and the time.<BR><BR>We paid a couple of extra dollars and got the 'snowphone' which gives you extra information as you go around. But if you dont get one it doesn't matter as all the displays have plenty of written info.<BR><BR>Also we paid a few more dollars and had a ride on the 'haagelund' which is one of the all-terrain vehicles (like a huge tank) that they use in the snow. It was a rough and bumpy ride that lasted about 15 minutes, and we laughed the whole time.<BR><BR>Also inside there is a room which has real below-zero temperatures so you get dressed up in all the gear (free) and go in to feel what it's really like in minus 50' degree temperatures.<BR><BR>You should have an interesting time there.

Prue,<BR><BR>Don't miss the Christchurch Museum. We had an hour to spare and wandered inside and were enthralled with the exhibits, starting off with early Maori life.<BR><BR>We had to drag ourselves away and it remains one of the 'if onlys' of our trip to NZ. If only we had gone there earlier......<BR><BR>The museum is near the Art Centre and the gardens. Something for everyone, and cheap too.

No one has mentioned Akaroa, a quaint French village near Christchurch. It is very interesting in a beautiful setting. Both the French Connection and the Akaroa Shuttle provide good transport service to the village & return.

There are a nimber of things to do for day trips that are well worth it. Akaroa is stunning and you can book a Akaroa harbor boat trip which is a must. Also consider a day trip to places like Arthurs Pass, or wine tasting just noth of Christchurch.

Thank you all very much for your helpful suggestions.

Prue:<BR>We headquartered in CHC and took day tours to Akaroa and Arthurs Pass with Canterbury Tours. Enjoyed it immensely. <BR>New motor coaches and well informed tour guides.<BR>John

<BR>The Antarctic Center is really very interesting - the first time I was there was on a travel agent business trip and frankly, I wasn't all that enthusiastic about going, but found it very very interesting...so much so, the next year while on a personal vacation with my husband (who I knew would like it) I took him there and he thoroughly enjoyed it. I love the location, as it's basically right across the road from the airport, so you can drive there before your flight, do the tour, drop your car off and catch your flight.<BR><BR>People have mentioned Akoroa, which is great, and I'd add Kaikora for a whale watch.<BR><BR>Melodie