SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
Visit SEA LIFE Kelly Tarltons Aquarium and marvel at the world's largest sub-Antarctic penguin colony and get up close with incredible marine life through underwater viewing tunnels.
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Discover a unique underwater world and meet new aquatic creatures.
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Walk through the famous Shark Tunnel in the world’s first curved aquarium.
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Meet the largest penguin colony on display in the Southern Hemisphere at Antarctic Ice Adventure.
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Witness the enthralling Spiny Sea Dragon in the Seahorse Sanctuary, the only place in the world to have it on display.
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Let kids enjoy the indoor playground at the aquarium with the Splash Table.
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Spot the colorful marine life from the Southern Ocean in a dedicated zone.
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Get a glimpse of what it was like to live in the coldest place on Earth 100 years ago.
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Create your own sea creature and watch it swim on an interactive projection wall.
More details
-
Discover a unique underwater world and meet new aquatic creatures.
-
Walk through the famous Shark Tunnel in the world’s first curved aquarium.
-
Meet the largest penguin colony on display in the Southern Hemisphere at Antarctic Ice Adventure.
-
Witness the enthralling Spiny Sea Dragon in the Seahorse Sanctuary, the only place in the world to have it on display.
-
Let kids enjoy the indoor playground at the aquarium with the Splash Table.
-
Spot the colorful marine life from the Southern Ocean in a dedicated zone.
-
Get a glimpse of what it was like to live in the coldest place on Earth 100 years ago.
-
Create your own sea creature and watch it swim on an interactive projection wall.
-
Auckland Zoo is where you’ll meet NZ’s largest group of exotic and native animals, from elephants, rhinos, and tigers to tuatara and kererū.
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An informative and entertaining time is guaranteed with daily animal shows and encounters where zookeepers share their vast knowledge.
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SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium offers 30 spectacular exhibits, including New Zealand’s only colony of Sub-Antarctic penguins.
-
Take a stroll through the shark tunnel, and visit Amazing Creations to design your own creature and watch it swim on an interactive projection wall.
-
Fun fact: The aquarium is the only place in the world with the Spiny Sea Dragon, an elusive marine fish, on display.
More details
-
Auckland Zoo is where you’ll meet NZ’s largest group of exotic and native animals, from elephants, rhinos, and tigers to tuatara and kererū.
-
An informative and entertaining time is guaranteed with daily animal shows and encounters where zookeepers share their vast knowledge.
-
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium offers 30 spectacular exhibits, including New Zealand’s only colony of Sub-Antarctic penguins.
-
Take a stroll through the shark tunnel, and visit Amazing Creations to design your own creature and watch it swim on an interactive projection wall.
-
Fun fact: The aquarium is the only place in the world with the Spiny Sea Dragon, an elusive marine fish, on display.
Pro tips to help you make a pick
Best viewing times: Visit during penguin feeding times to see them in action; check the daily schedule online.
Plan for interaction: Take advantage of the touch pool experiences and behind-the-scenes tours for a hands-on encounter.
Arrive early: Mornings tend to be less crowded, offering a more relaxed visit.
Combine with nearby attractions: Consider exploring nearby Auckland waterfront attractions for a full day of activities.
Top things to do in Auckland
About SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium, set along Auckland’s waterfront, features interactive exhibits, rare marine species, and captivating underwater views. From penguins to stingrays, it’s a must-visit for a fun and educational experience.
It houses one of the largest penguin exhibits in the world, featuring both king and gentoo penguins.
The aquarium was created by Kelly Tarlton, a pioneering marine archaeologist, who repurposed old sewage tanks into the aquarium's tunnels.
It was the first in the world to introduce curved acrylic tunnels for an immersive viewing experience.
Home to rescued sea turtles, the aquarium plays a key role in their rehabilitation and release back into the wild.
The Antarctic Encounter features ice-filled habitats with live snow, creating a realistic polar environment for penguins.
Why visit SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium?
Plan your visit
Main entrance
The aquarium entrance is located on Tamaki Drive in Auckland. Clear signage guides visitors to the facility.
Open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry at 4:00 PM. Hours may vary during public holidays.
Nearby cities to explore
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