Beautiful view of SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
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SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium

Auckland, New Zealand
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Beautiful view of SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium

Beneath Auckland’s windswept waterfront, SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium opens a vivid window into the magic of the Southern Ocean. Home to graceful rays, quirky penguins, and darting tropical fish, this underwater world has become a beloved destination for families, adventurers, and marine-lovers of every age. The aquarium’s blend of immersive tunnels, hands-on touch pools, and surprising local history promises more than just a glimpse of life below the waves—it’s an invitation to experience the ocean’s wonders firsthand.

Visiting Info

Currency
Entrance fee
44 NZD
Hours
Opening hours
Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Contact Information

Location
Address
23 Tamaki Drive, Orakei, Auckland 1071, New Zealand
Website

Planning Your Visit

A visit to SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium requires just a little forethought to make the most of the day. Located right on Auckland’s scenic Tamaki Drive, the aquarium is easily accessible by public transit, car, or even a scenic cycle along the waterfront. Weekends and school holidays can bring crowds, so choosing quieter hours or booking tickets online in advance helps avoid the bustle. Visitors will find that thoughtful accessibility touches—like stroller-friendly paths and accessible restrooms—make navigating with young children or family members using wheelchairs straightforward.

  • Best time to visit: Weekdays during the school term, or early mornings before 11 am.
  • How to get there: Reach by car (parking available), bus, or the Auckland Explorer Hop-on Hop-off bus. Cyclists can use waterfront bike paths.
  • Accessibility: Fully wheelchair and stroller accessible; dedicated family restrooms.
  • Average visit duration: 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on pace and interest.

Must See Stuff

SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium dazzles with iconic exhibits and unexpected discoveries around every curve. Crowd-pleasers like the translucent Shark Tunnel immerse guests in the midst of circling sand tiger sharks and swaying fish clouds. The Antarctic Ice Adventure, home to New Zealand’s only colony of sub-Antarctic penguins, brings a chilly touch of the Southern Ocean within reach. For hands-on explorers, the rock pools and daily feeds showcase marine life up close, with friendly staff sharing quirky animal facts and conservation tips.

  • Key sights or features: The curved Shark Tunnel (walk-through viewing), Antarctic Ice Adventure (penguin habitat), and Seahorse Kingdom (rare, delicate species).
  • Unique experiences: Behind-the-scenes tours, glass-bottom boat rides, and monthly “Sleepover with the Sharks” events for families.
  • Photo-worthy locations: The acrylic tunnels with swirling marine life overhead, penguin viewing platforms, and colorful coral displays in Shipwreck Shores.
  • Cultural or historical facts: Housed in repurposed sewage tanks, the aquarium was founded by deep-sea diver Kelly Tarlton in 1985—a pioneer who dreamed of making the undersea world accessible to all.

Tips for Your Visit

SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s offers something for everyone, but a few small tips ensure a smooth day. Mornings feel quieter once tour groups finish up, and some exhibits, such as the touch pools, fill quickly with excited schoolchildren. The temperature in the Antarctic zone drops noticeably; layering up or packing an extra jacket helps keep everyone cozy. With so many interactive experiences, charging a camera or smartphone is a must, as photo opportunities appear at every turn. Small snacks and water bottles offer relief, since café seating can be limited during peak hours.

  • Best times to avoid crowds: Arrive before 10:30 am on weekdays or late afternoons in winter months.
  • What to bring: Warm layer for the penguin habitat, refillable water bottle, camera or phone, closed shoes with grip (some areas can be damp).
  • Local etiquette or rules: No flash photography near marine life; children must remain supervised at all times.
  • Safety or comfort advice: Watch for slippery flooring; follow marked paths and staff instructions when participating in feedings or behind-the-scenes tours.
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium – Tickets, Hours & Visitor Guide