Antarctic Centre & Botanic Gardens
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Port
Akaroa (Christchurch), New Zealand
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$169
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 7½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Take a tour to Christchurch's International Antarctic Centre for a taste of life at the South Pole. Located across the street from the real-life Operation Deep Freeze Antarctic exploration facility, the amazing Antarctic Centre features hands-on exhibits, video presentations, laser holograms and stereo sound, bringing the frozen continent of Antarctica to life. Follow the Antarctic seasons, witness the aurora Australis, and observe the antics of a live penguin rookery.
Experience the temperature of a real snow cave, as you don cold-weather gear and weather an arctic snowstorm. This is what it feels like to be inside an ice cave.
Visiting the adorable penguins -- a fish-like bird that lives only in the southern hemisphere -- is a study in the fun and games of the icy world.
Step outdoors for an amazing ride on a Hägglund -- a tracked, and amphibious vehicle made in Sweden and widely used in Antarctica. Your exhilarating ride takes you up and down mounds, over a steep hill, across a crevasse, through a pool of water and onto open ground.
Screening in the 4D Extreme Theatre is 'Ice Voyage' -- a virtual cruise to Antarctica with unexpected excitement and adventure. Moving seats, the wind in your face, water-spray, bubbles and snow are all part of the fun. Ice Voyage is the closest you'll get to cruising in Antarctic waters without leaving the comfort of your movie seat.
Allow some time to visit the Antarctic Shop afterwards, with its extensive range of Antarctic and New Zealand souvenirs and clothing. You are welcome to purchase (at your own expense) refreshments in the Antarctic Café & Bar
Next, travel into the city, driving past Hagley Park, the Avon River, the Bridge of Remembrance to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Nestled on a bend on the Avon River, the Botanic Gardens were established in 1863. The gardens span an area of 75 acres hosting the finest collection of exotic and indigenous plants to be found anywhere in New Zealand. The gardens are an oasis in the city of Christchurch, offering conifers and maples, roses, and seasonal flower displays, several conservatories, memorials, garden art and walking tracks.
Departing from Christchurch, you'll return to Akaroa.
Notes:
Wear comfortable walking shoes.