Iconic Christchurch wildlife reserve Willowbank has bought the International Antarctic Centre and will take over ownership from 2 December 2024.
Willowbank co-directors and siblings Mark and Kirsty Willis say it’s a “privilege” to be the next caretaker of the International Antarctic Centre. “The International Antarctic Centre’s inception was brought about by Christchurch International Airport to showcase the city’s important Antarctic programme to the world,” says Mr Willis. “Being a part of that vision and its continuation is important to us. The current owners, RealNZ, are an iconic tourism company, so we feel quite humbled to be following in their footsteps.”
The two attractions are both popular with local, national and international visitors, and both have conservation advocacy at the core of their operations, so Ms Willis says it was a natural fit.
“We think the International Antarctic Centre has done a wonderful job as an attraction for visitors to Christchurch but over recent years visitation from Canterbury locals has declined. Willowbank as a business is very strong in the local market and we’d like to see all of Christchurch fall in love with the Antarctic Centre again and be really proud to have it as part of its community asset.”
Christchurch is one of five cities in the world known as a ‘gateway to Antarctica’. In 1990 Christchurch International Airport saw the need for a visitor centre to Antarctica and created a complex that could show people why the airport was so important to the Antarctic scientific programmes, and why these programmes and the continent was so important to the world. The airport commissioned Tim Hobson to shape and manage the development of the centre, with renowned local architects Warren and Mahoney contracted to design the building.
Head of Visitor Economy at ChristchurchNZ Kath Low says Willowbank’s purchase of the International Antarctic Centre is “great news” for the local tourism industry. “Willowbank and the International Antarctic Centre offer fantastic experiences for both tourists and locals to enjoy. For 50 years Willowbank has been managed by really savvy operators and it’ll be really exciting to see them enrich the visitor experience at the Antarctic Centre,” says Ms Low.
“Christchurch and Canterbury are back as visitor destinations and the continued growth of our visitor sector is helping supercharge our economy. Willowbank’s investment sends a strong signal that the future of our tourism industry is bright.”
RealNZ Chief Executive Dave Beeche says they are “thrilled” that the International Antarctic Centre will be passed over to safe hands. “Their local knowledge and relationships, along with a commitment to both fantastic experiences and conservation, will make them ideal leaders for the International Antarctic Centre.”
The new owners have an investment plan, with a focus on improving visitor experience. While the details are still being worked out, over the next three years they plan to invest in new and improved experiences.
