All aboard the Penguin Express

Antarctica. A place of extremes: the highest, driest, windiest, emptiest and coldest place on the planet, largely unspoiled by the 21st century and a feature on many bucket lists. And I think most of you would be understandably surprised when I say you can experience it for yourself just a 20 minute drive outside of Christchurch, New Zealand.
The International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch was not only one of my New Zealand highlights, but the best museum I have ever visited. The seventh continent has always intrigued me, being a lover of cold climates, puffa jackets and snow, and after finding a discarded flyer for the centre by chance, I knew I had to go. So I hopped on board the Penguin Express (the free shuttle that picks you up from the city centre) and prepared my cynical “fake snow? That’s the best you guys could do?” face. Because how well can a museum really recreate an entire magical and mysterious continent whilst simultaneously teaching and entertaining you?
Well, the Antarctic Centre does all this and then some. You can ride on a Hägglund, the all-terrain vehicle used by Antarctic research teams, over a specially constructed obstacle course (including a 3m deep lake, a 7m drop and a metre wide crevasse), you can experience a simulated ice storm (with wind speeds of 40mph and temperatures well below zero), dip your hand in Antarctic ice waters (and probably squeal loudly, attracting quite a lot of attention), try on kit used on past Antarctic expeditions, see a replica of the Scott base and the inside of the military jets that take the research teams out there, visit some rescued injured blue penguins, enjoy a 4D tour of the continent and also try out a very tasty three cheese and spinach scone in the café.
It is definitely not the cheapest museum, but nevertheless, it is still excellent value for money. I have never left a museum feeling more inspired to learn more about the exhibit’s subject, but I also felt like I learned a great deal without being overloaded with reams of text. The Centre perfectly balances interactive exhibits with educating their audience, which ranges from families to solo travellers.
Sitting in the chair of the Centre’s cinema, watching enormous icebergs crack as they drift past from your viewpoint on a boat, how could you not be struck dumb with awe? You leave with a fresh appreciation for raw nature and our planet, and plenty of food for thought. And maybe a three cheese scone for the road.