SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium Auckland
Explore a captivating underwater world through unique tunnels and exhibits, featuring playful penguins and diverse marine life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium Auckland
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a captivating underwater world through unique tunnels and exhibits, featuring playful penguins and diverse marine life.
"A fascinating underwater experience with adorable penguins and an immersive ocean tunnel."
🎯 Book Online for Discounts
Save money and secure your spot by purchasing tickets online in advance. :ticket:
⏰ Arrive Early to Beat Crowds
Visit before noon for a more peaceful experience, especially to see the penguins. :clock:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Penguin Discovery
Antarctic Ice Adventure
Marvel at the playful penguins in their specially designed, snowy habitat. A heartwarming and adorable experience for all ages.
Underwater World Tunnel
Ocean Tunnel
Walk through a moving tunnel surrounded by sharks, stingrays, and vibrant fish swimming above and around you.
Diverse Marine Life Displays
Various Habitats
Explore a fascinating array of sea creatures, from colorful fish and jellyfish to crabs and more. Informative and visually engaging.
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets Online for Savings
Timing is Key for a Quieter Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Online for Discounts
Save money and secure your spot by purchasing tickets online in advance. :ticket:
⏰ Arrive Early to Beat Crowds
Visit before noon for a more peaceful experience, especially to see the penguins. :clock:
🚫 No Flash Photography
Capture memories without disturbing the marine life; avoid using flash. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Convenient Free Parking
Ample free parking is available in the dedicated Kelly Tarlton's car park.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Online for Discounts
Save money and secure your spot by purchasing tickets online in advance. :ticket:
⏰ Arrive Early to Beat Crowds
Visit before noon for a more peaceful experience, especially to see the penguins. :clock:
🚫 No Flash Photography
Capture memories without disturbing the marine life; avoid using flash. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Convenient Free Parking
Ample free parking is available in the dedicated Kelly Tarlton's car park.
🗺️ Grab a Map
Ask for a map at the ticket counter to navigate the aquarium smoothly. :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium offers a fascinating underwater journey, with the penguin exhibit and immersive ocean tunnel being major highlights. While some find the entry fee a bit steep, booking online can offer discounts. Visitors appreciate the close encounters with marine life and the unique historical setting of the aquarium.
"Really enjoyed spending a couple hours seeing all the sea life. The Penguins are the standout but the rest of the Aquarium is fun and informative with plenty of other animals to see.
Book your tickets a day ahead for a discounted rate which makes it even better value."
Luke Dienes
"Such a hidden gem of Auckland. I was enjoying visiting this place. Absolutely in love with penguins! They are adorable.
Great idea for a weekend visit with friends and family
We book tickets in advance so we didn’t wait to enter."
Джени Дилан
"Take the day off work sometime and visit Kelly Tarlton’s! You can pretty much enjoy the place to yourself if you get here before 12.
Staff are friendly. A nice range of animals and sea creatures to look at. Cafe is pretty pricey but if you don’t want to spend money on that, there is a penny press machine, a Photo Booth and a lovely gift shop at the end of the attraction.
You can take plenty of photos of the animals but don’t use flash.
Close distance to the wharf and Bastion Point so plenty of other local attractions to visit before or after."
Rose
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium is located at 23 Tamaki Drive, Orakei, Auckland.
Yes, there is convenient and free car parking available directly in the Kelly Tarlton's car park.
For a scenic route, consider taking the ferry from downtown Auckland to Mission Bay, which is a short distance from the aquarium. Buses also run along Tamaki Drive, providing easy access.
Yes, Mission Bay is a popular nearby attraction, and it's a pleasant walk along Tamaki Drive to reach SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium.
Yes, several bus routes service Tamaki Drive, making it accessible via public transport from various parts of Auckland.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but generally, adult tickets are around $47 and child tickets (ages 2-15) are around $32.
Yes, booking your tickets online in advance is generally recommended as it can save you money compared to purchasing them at the door.
When booking online, you typically select a time slot. This helps manage visitor numbers and can allow you to skip the main queue.
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium is usually open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry at 4:00 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours.
Discounts are often available when purchasing tickets online. Some visitors have also mentioned AA discounts.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attractions include the incredible Penguin Discovery, the immersive underwater tunnel with sharks and rays, and various displays showcasing diverse marine life. +1
Absolutely! Kids love the penguins and the interactive elements. It's a fantastic educational and fun outing for families.
Most visitors spend around 2-3 hours exploring the aquarium.
Yes, you can take photos, but it's important not to use flash as it can disturb the animals.
It's recommended to ask for a map at the ticket counter to help you navigate the different sections of the aquarium.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafeteria on-site offering snacks and drinks. However, some reviews mention that the cafe can be quite pricey.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to check their policy. Given the cafe prices, many visitors opt to eat before or after their visit.
Yes, the aquarium is close to Mission Bay and Orakei, which offer a variety of dining options.
📸 📸 Photography
The underwater tunnel with sharks and rays, the penguin enclosure, and the colorful fish displays offer fantastic photo opportunities.
No, flash photography is not permitted inside the aquarium to protect the animals' well-being.
Use a higher ISO and a wider aperture to capture clear shots in the lower light conditions of the tunnel. Avoid using flash.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the most of your family visit, consider booking tickets online for potential savings and to secure your entry time.
Arriving early, especially on weekends, can help you avoid the biggest crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience for little ones. 💰 Budget Travelers
To save on food costs, it's advisable to eat before or after your visit, as the on-site cafe is noted as being pricey.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Remember to disable your flash to avoid disturbing the animals and to get better quality photos in the aquarium's lighting conditions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique History of Kelly Tarlton's
The concept was to allow visitors to experience the ocean 'through the eyes of a diver,' a dream Tarlton pursued for years. This historical context adds an intriguing layer to the visitor experience, making it more than just a typical aquarium. Kelly Tarlton himself was a renowned explorer and treasure hunter, known for discovering shipwrecks around New Zealand.
His passion for marine life and desire to share its wonders with the public led to the creation of this iconic Auckland attraction. The aquarium continues to celebrate this legacy, offering a glimpse into the underwater world that fascinated Tarlton. While some parts of the facility are considered dated by some visitors, the core experience of the underwater tunnels and the penguin exhibit remain strong draws.
Penguin Paradise: A Must-See
Seeing the penguins play and interact in their specially created environment is a standout moment for many.
This exhibit alone is often cited as a reason to visit, making it a highlight that shouldn't be missed. For the best experience with the penguins, arriving early in the day is recommended to avoid the peak crowds.
Navigating the Underwater World
Visitors step onto a moving walkway that slowly transports them through a transparent tunnel, surrounded by a vibrant underwater ecosystem. This unique perspective offers incredible photo opportunities, though it's crucial to remember the 'no flash' rule to protect the marine life.
Beyond the main tunnel, the aquarium features various displays showcasing other marine creatures like crabs and jellyfish, each presented in thoughtfully designed habitats.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit