Shore Excursion Details

Ice & Wings

DETAILS

  • 5
    hrs Estimate Duration

OVERVIEW

Tour a captivating museum filled with Royal New Zealand Air Force planes and memorabilia, then explore a one-of-a-kind experiential museum dedicated to all things Antarctic. Located in Christchurch on the site of a former base, the Air Force Museum showcases the country’s long and valiant aviation history through hands-on exhibits – including dozens of vintage aircraft, WWI-era aviation barracks, rare uniforms and medals, and moving stories of the proud men and women who have served in the New Zealand and Allied flying services. After a leisurely guided visit, leave the museum behind as you move into cooler surroundings. Much cooler. At the International Antarctic Centre, you can actually experience an indoor blizzard, visit a snow cave, endure life at Scott Base and learn about other intrepid Antarctic explorers, even watch rescued Little Blue Penguins – smallest of their kind – cavort in a plush indoor/outdoor habitat. You can also take a virtual voyage down to Antarctica in the 4D Extreme Theatre and experience an epic thrill ride in the Hagglund, a genuine amphibious Antarctic transport that doesn’t let anything stand in its way. A drive back through central Christchurch reveals how well it’s recovered from the devastating 2011 earthquake.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Settle back for a 30-minute narrated coach drive from Lyttelton to the outskirts of Christchurch.
• Tour the Royal New Zealand Air Force Museum, home to a vast collection of meticulously preserved aviation memorabilia including dozens of historic aircraft and a vintage barracks.
• Enjoy an immensely fun, interactive experience at the International Antarctic Centre, next best thing to traveling to the South Pole yourself.
• Survive an ice storm, learn about life in modern Antarctica and visit historic Scott Base, watch Little Blue Penguins play, and crawl over an obstacle course inside a Hagglund amphibious vehicle.


HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing including a light jacket or sweater.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

Need to Know:

Note: This tour includes some 3 hours of moderate walking and standing over mostly flat surfaces. Additional interactive activities are at guests’ discretion. The tour is available to wheelchair guests who have a collapsible chair, can make their own way on and off the coach and have a companion to assist them. Those with mobility concerns are cautioned to carefully evaluate their personal level of stamina before participating.

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ACTIVITY ATTRIBUTES

Excursion Type:

Scenic & City Tours

Activity Level:

Image Title
  • 1
    Easy
  • 2
    Moderate
  • 3
    Challenging
Tours with this activity level involve a considerable amount of physical activity such as substantial walking over cobblestone streets, uneven or steep terrain, climbing stairs, or extended periods of standing. Not recommended for guests with physical limitations. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are recommended.
Have Questions About Your Shore Excursions?
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1300 255 200