SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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It's the perfect gift you can give to your children. My 5-and-a-half-year-old enjoyed seeing the sharks and penguins. Although it's not very large and doesn't have a wide variety of sea fishes, it's well-built considering the limited space. My daughter especially enjoyed playing the role of a doctor and receiving a certificate for checking the teddy penguins' health, which is placed near the front after the penguin exhibit. They have plenty of penguins, and it's nice to see them swimming and resting in the artificial rock. It was her first encounter with penguins, and she enjoyed it a lot. I've been to Cape Town and had the opportunity to see them up close, witnessing how they care for the young and interact with each other. Apart from the fish and other sea animals, there are lots of small activities for children. There's a small play area attached to a cafeteria where you can grab something to eat and drink. Next to the cafeteria, you'll find big and small fish, sharks, and stingrays. Children will love this part. There's a massive transparent glass aquarium filled with these big fishes, and the pathway is divided into two sections—one for walking and the other rotating on its own, allowing you to stand and enjoy the fishes. The next area features starfish that you can touch, lobsters, colorful deep-sea fishes, and seahorses. At the end, you can buy goodies from the shop, although they're a bit expensive. Considering the price tag, it may not seem like a big aquarium, but we got a discount using our AA membership card, making it a decent deal for us. Regardless of the price, it's a nice way to spend 2 hours and make your kids happy while enjoying the sea creatures. While you may not see all the sea creatures, they've managed to showcase a maximum with the minimal space available.
Renjith cc
00
Although I have visited many international aquariums, there is something special and truly unique about this venue. My 8-year old son recently went for the shark cage experience with my partner and had a blast. They have only recently begun to allow children into the shark cage experience provided they are over 130cm tall with a supervising adult. If your child is a strong swimmer and comfortable in a wetsuit and snorkel, this is a truly unique experience. They have a ‘shark cage’ which has a Perspex floor and fish net walls which they move along the length of their shark tank. The ‘shark cage’ only serves as protection for the sharks against the humans since the sharks are completely docile and well adjusted to visitors. The experience is sadly very short but at least it is very affordable. Although it is advertised as a 1-hour experience, it only entails about 20 minutes in the ‘shark cage’ for about $90 per person. It includes the rental of wetsuits and snorkel, although my son and partner used their own. I’d encourage anyone who has a child fond of sharks to get in on this experience before it becomes cost prohibitive. Lastly, remember to pack a lunch picnic since this is one of the few private venues which allow and encourage their attendees to bring their own food. Their cafeteria is simply not designed to cope with the volume of guests that typically have, especially on weekends. So avoid the queue and save some money with your own food. There are multiple exhibits which are regularly maintained and there is clearly some effort to improve the facility. The penguins are truly adorable. The jellyfish are stunning. Many improvements are in progress and I hope to see them evolve and continue to grow.
Helene Ho
00
🌊 A Fascinating Underwater Experience at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium! 🐠🦈🐧 Visited yesterday and had an incredible time exploring SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium! The entire aquarium is uniquely built underground, which adds a special charm to the visit. There's convenient parking right outside, and inside, you’ll also find a cafeteria offering snacks and drinks for a quick break. The main highlight for me was definitely the penguins! 🐧 They have a large number of them, and the setup is amazing—a cold, snowy environment specially designed to suit their natural habitat. It’s so heartwarming to see them playing around, and you get to observe them really up close! Another standout feature was the moving walkway tunnel—you just hop on and it slowly moves you through an underwater world filled with colorful fish, sharks, and stingrays swimming right above and beside you. It truly gives the sensation of walking under the sea. You’ll also spot crabs, jellyfish, and other marine creatures, each displayed beautifully. It’s a great place for kids and adults alike to learn and enjoy. 🔹 Suggestions for Improvement: The entry fee is a bit expensive, so it might not be ideal for every budget. I did feel a bit lost in certain areas, so I’d recommend that they provide a map and some guidance on what’s inside at the ticket counter. It would make the visit smoother. Overall, it was an extraordinary experience and a must-visit attraction in Auckland if you're into marine life. 📸 (Photos attached) #LocalGuide #SEALIFE #KellyTarltons #PenguinParadise #AucklandAquarium #UnderwaterAdventure
Karan Joshi
00
This place offers a truly amazing experience for visitors of all ages, whether you're a marine life enthusiast or just seeking a fun outing. It's incredible to see how they transformed this space from a large sewage system into a captivating underwater world. Upon entering, you are immediately immersed in a magical marine environment, teeming with a diverse array of sea creatures. The aquarium features unique walk-through tunnels where you can marvel at sharks, stingrays and other fascinating marine life up close. The well-maintained displays provide an intimate look at the animals, including penguins, creating an engaging and immersive experience. Standout creatures such as the giant lobster, penguins, and New Zealand freshwater eels add to the aquarium's uniqueness. In addition to the impressive exhibits, SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium offers interactive experiences like penguin encounters and shark dives, perfect for those eager to interact closely with the animals. The aquarium also provides various engaging activities, such as the "scan the turtle card" game, which is especially enjoyable for kids. The dining area offers a pleasant ambiance with ocean views and indoor tanks showcasing rays and turtles. Visitors have the option to bring their own food if they prefer not to purchase meals on-site. I highly recommend including SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium in your Auckland itinerary, especially if you have a couple of hours to spare to discover unique ocean creatures. It's a memorable experience that showcases marine life in a captivating and educational way.
HL
00
Visiting SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium is an unforgettable experience for all ages. From the moment you step inside, you're immersed in the wonders of marine life, with beautifully designed exhibits and interactive displays that capture the magic of the ocean. One of the highlights is the incredible penguin exhibit, which feels like stepping into the Antarctic! Watching these adorable creatures waddle and swim is both entertaining and educational. The Shark Tunnel is another must-see—walking through the curved glass with sharks, stingrays, and other marine life swimming above you is absolutely mesmerizing. The touch pools were a hit with kids and adults alike, giving visitors a chance to get up close and personal with starfish and other fascinating creatures. The interactive educational displays throughout the aquarium are perfect for families, offering fun facts and activities that engage visitors of all ages. The team at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's deserves a special mention—they’re friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about marine conservation. Their efforts to educate the public on sustainability and protecting our oceans are commendable. The facilities are well-maintained, and the café offers a great spot to relax with a coffee while overlooking the stunning waterfront. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, this place is a must-visit. Highly recommended for families, friends, or even solo adventurers. A perfect blend of education, excitement, and inspiration!
Omkar Upadhye
00
This was our first visit of Sea Life visit at Auckland. We like to visit aquariums. We generally take our time and many photos. Our visit lasted 4 hours. It is pleasant and the children will appreciate it, with a diversity of animation for them. My partner and I found the section with the penguins remarkable. This is the first time that we have been so close to penguins and have confortably observed them. We took best shots of penguins, even better than the one we took at Bird Park @ Singapore. Sea Life deserves a high score for this. The other parts are worth seeing but average compared to other aquariums. The aquarium is small, quickly overloaded, noisy with the crowd. It may need some renovation. It needs better education materials, to help identify the species, to describe their ecosystem. The photo taken at the entrance were not even given or e-mail to us as a souvenir for free. As any attraction park, all is made for paying additional services or else. You feel more being moren in an attraction park than a conservation « zoo / aquarium ». Note: Our favorite aquariums remain that of La Rochelle for its diversity and quality (min 6-8 hours of visit) and that of Singapore which, although small, offers huge aquariums with a wide range of fish and crustaceans together (4 hours of visit).
STEPHANE ROMEI
00
Nearby Attractions Of SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park
Bastion Point
Ōrākei Domain
Michael Joseph Savage Memorial
Orakei Playground
Okahu Bay Wharf
Five Knots
Orakei Marine
OKAHU
Mantells Tamaki Drive

Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park
4.6
(1.1K)
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Bastion Point
4.6
(731)
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Ōrākei Domain
4.4
(563)
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Michael Joseph Savage Memorial
4.7
(269)
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Nearby Restaurants Of SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
Akarana Eatery
Tamaki Yacht Club
Auckland Sailing Club

Akarana Eatery
3.9
(200)
$$
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Tamaki Yacht Club
4.3
(146)
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Auckland Sailing Club
4.6
(27)
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Basic Info
Address
23 Tamaki Drive, Orakei, Auckland 1071, New Zealand
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Website
visitsealife.com
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Overview
4.3
(3.5K reviews)
Ratings & Description
entertainment
family friendly
accessibility
Description
Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium is a public aquarium opened in 1985 in Auckland, New Zealand. Located at 23 Tamaki Drive, it was the brainchild of New Zealand marine archaeologist and diver Kelly Tarlton.
attractions: Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park, Bastion Point, Ōrākei Domain, Michael Joseph Savage Memorial, Orakei Playground, Okahu Bay Wharf, Five Knots, Orakei Marine, OKAHU, Mantells Tamaki Drive, restaurants: Akarana Eatery, Tamaki Yacht Club, Auckland Sailing Club

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