Christchurch, New Zealand — For more than a century, Christchurch has been a gateway to Antarctica. The International Antarctic Centre, developed by Christchurch International Airport Limited to support Antarctic scientific programs, opened in 1990. Two years later the Antarctic Attraction was unveiled, giving tourists a taste of the world’s coldest, driest and windiest continent.

With architecture inspired by Antarctica’s icebergs and glaciers, the attraction includes a seven-minute sound and light show depicting the continent’s four seasons, a gallery showcasing specimens from its ocean floor, a life-size interactive replica of an Antarctic field camp and an indoor/outdoor viewing area of the New Zealand Little Blue Penguin.

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Susan Puckett / spuckett@ajc.com

An ice cave is part of the Snow and Ice Experience at Christchurch’s Antarctic Attraction. Every 30 minutes, a wind chill machine mimics an Antarctic storm, with lightening, 25-mile-per-hour winds and howling sound effects.

Its coolest feature is the Snow and Ice Experience. Visitors put on jackets and overshoes before entering a frigid room with man-made snow, an ice cave and icy slopes you can slide down. Every 30 minutes, a wind chill machine mimics an Antarctic storm, with 25-mile-per-hour winds and howling sound effects.

We took an optional ride aboard a Hagglund all-terrain amphibian vehicle used for carrying people and supplies over icy terrain in Antarctica or — in this case — a bumpy course in a field. The 15-minute ride is nerve-jangling, hilarious fun.

The Antarctic center is right next to the airport. www.iceberg.co.nz.

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