Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium: Not Just for Kids: Adults Love It Too

Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium is not just for kids, although it is definitely a hit with children.

As an adult, I am intrigued by exhibits about the original Antarctica explorations, captivated by penguins, enchanted by the turtles, and impressed by the sheer engineering genius that created the shark tunnels. While children have different levels of fascination.

It’s a special place, and it doesn’t take long to understand why it is one of Auckland’s top attractions. In fact, the very first time we set foot in New Zealand, Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium was the first place we visited.

Despite the jetlag, our then young children were super excited about penguins and riding a moving sidewalk through the world’s first curved acrylic tunnels allowing stingrays, sharks, and other southern ocean marine life to freely swim all around us.

It lived up to our expectations back then, and to my surprise, surpassed them on our last visit almost 20 years later.

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Reduced daily capacity makes booking ahead more important.

As daily capacity has been reduced and frequently reached, booking in advance guarantees your entry.

What makes Kelly Tarlton’s special?

Unique in many ways, Kelly Tarlton’s is more than just a typical aquarium you might find in any major city. Some of the more noteworthy features include:

• A replica of Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s Antarctic Hut
• Not only can you watch Antarctic Penguins, but there is also an opportunity to get on the ice with them (advance booking and extra fee apply).
• The moving sidewalk takes you through the world’s first acrylic shark tunnel of its type.
• Adults can have an underwater encounter with the sharks (advance booking and extra fee apply).
• A strong focus on conservation.
• A touch pool to interact with starfish.

Highlights from our last visit give you an idea of what to expect at Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Live

Antarctic Adventure

Captain Robert Falcon Scott lead the Discovery Expedition to Antarctica in 1901–04. Several years later he led a second expedition that reached the geographic south pole on 17 January 1912, 34 days after Norwegian Roald Amundsen became the first to accomplish this. Sadly, Scott and his team were lost in a whiteout blizzard in 1912 on their return.

The pathway through Kelly Tarlton’s allows us to experience the disorientation of a whiteout as we pass through a slowly spinning white tube. Stopping for a few moments and turning to the side enhances the effect.

Our southern journey starts with a walk-through replica of Captain Scott’s Antarctic hut and an opportunity to imagine life in Antarctica over 100 ago. This is followed by a viewing area overlooking New Zealand’s only colony of Sub-Antarctic penguins at play in their cold and icy environment.

We also had the opportunity to do a mini Polar Plunge. An actual Polar Plunge would involve jumping into the icy cold waters. Here we could stick our hands into the icy water, and that was enough to know the “real” polar plunge is not for me. Kelly Tarlton’s challenge is to keep your hand submerged for 30 seconds. (I can’t confirm that this is currently available.)

Shark Tunnel

I love the shark tunnel! Honestly, where else can I be safe and completely dry while sharks swim all around me.

To date, we have seen similar tunnels all around the world. But what makes these shark tunnels so unique is that they are the original. The first curved aquarium tunnels in the world.

They represent some of the world’s largest aquarium sharks and include the endangered Sand Tiger Sharks, Broadnose Sevengill Sharks, and a Wobbegong Shark.

And, for brave adults who plan ahead, there is an opportunity to get into the tank with the sharks.

Turtles, stingrays and other special exhibits

I don’t know why I am so fascinated by stingrays, but I am. Kelly Tarltons has three short-tail stingrays, the world’s largest stingray species, on display. (If you are like me, don’t miss the opportunity to hand-feed stingrays in the wild if you get to Gisborne.)

There are also Eagle Rays (much smaller) that are located in the Shipwreck Discovery section.

More than just an opportunity for visitors to see some of the marine life, Kelly Tarltons is also a rescue centre. More specifically, Kelly Tarltons is the country’s only turtle rehabilitation centre. It is here that you can also get a peek under the current ocean as it laps against the window.

Plus, for kids, there are also touch pools with sea stars, an arts and crafts room for kids where they can watch their coloured creations come to life on the screen, and an indoor playground.

More fish to discover at Kelly Tarltons

If it lives in the Southern Ocean, there is a good chance you will find it at Kelly Tarltons. From colourful tropical species to unusual seahorses, be ready to discover something you have never seen before.

Visiting Kelly Tarltons – what you need to know

Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium is located at 23 Tamaki Drive, along the Auckland waterfront about 6 kilometres east of the Auckland CBD. It is an underground facility, therefore doesn’t look like much from the outside.

The buildings at either end of the car park are the entrance and exit, so there are no bad carparks, however, the lot is often full and street parking is required.

We always check 100% New Zealand owned bookme for discount tickets before we participate in any activities. In an effort to always offer the highest possible discount, they frequently feature different discounts depending on the day and time you choose for your activity.

→ Check for discounts at Bookme and get tickets in advance

Final thoughts on Kelly Tarltons

Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium is good fun for young and old. Most of the more adventurous activities include entrance, so a bit of planning can save quite a bit of money.

If you love Kelly Tarltons, don’t miss the national aquarium in Napier.

** Kelly Tarltons is just one of many fun things to do in Auckland.

Best deals and discounts for Auckland

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• Activity discounts: Bookme regularly offers discounts up to 70% on selected tours, activities, restaurants and more.
• Get an exclusive 15% discount on New Zealand activities from Klook!
  Use code: KLKEXPLORENZ15
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  Or, until Sept 30, 2022, don’t miss Booking.com’s Getaway 2022 Deals that save 15% or more on selected accommodations. (T&Cs apply)
• Other accommodations: If you prefer B&B or self-contained type lodging, check out Bookabach.

Find more money-saving resources and T&Cs on some of the above, check our Travel Resources page.

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Which is your favourite bit of Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium?

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Disclaimer: I was provided with a complimentary entry to aid in the writing of this page. However, the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.