SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's General Admission
Overview
1 hour
Mobile ticket
Dive under Auckland's waterfront and you'll discover spectacular secrets of the Southern Ocean and see the magic of an Antarctic fantasyland, complete with penguins strutting in fresh snow and ice! You'll get up close to the majestic King and playful Gentoo penguins, see jellyfish displays, find out how we look after our rescued turtles and check out the world's biggest species of stingray swimming above you at our curved tunnel. Experience over 30 live animal exhibits and see over 80 different species in the 13 themed zones.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photography is allowed, however use of flashbulbs around the animals is prohibited
Opens Thursday to Monday, closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Open from 9:30am to 5:00pm (last entry at 4.00pm)
Child 15 years and under must enter with an adult over 16 years of age
We politely request that you refrain from visiting our aquarium should you start displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
General Admission Ticket
Hotel pickup and drop off
Food and drinks (available to purchase on-site)
Souvenir Photos (available to purchase on-site)
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting points
End points
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
At SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium there is over 30 exhibits and more than 80 different species. Featuring 13 themed zones, SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium boasts unique attractions including world’s largest Sub-Antarctic penguin colony display, world’s only display of Spiny Sea Dragons and the world’s biggest species of stingray. The Antarctic Encounter is a walk-through penguin encounter which allows visitors to get closer than ever before to the majestic King and playful Gentoo penguins. Kelly Tarlton’s famous Shark Tunnel (The brainchild of renowned marine archaeologist and diver Kelly Tarlton), is home to New Zealand’s largest collection of sharks with Maori Pacifica themed. The Rockpool Experience allows visitors to touch a starfish and, with Amazing Creation and Turtle Rescue interactive zones this truly is a great day out.
Options
General Admission Peak
Peak
General Admission off Peak
Off Peak
Reviews
202 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing
Jacinta B,
Jul 25, 2025
- Viator
5.00Fantastic! Well worth the money we all loved it and found it to be great value animals looked to be well cared for
A fun experience
Charley S,
Mar 17, 2025
- Viator
4.00The start of the aquarium was a really elaborate recreation of an Antarctic expedition cabin with really interesting information and artifacts!! What we did see was gorgeously maintained, clean, interactive, and great for children with a little play area and digital tank to create your own fish! Just wish it had been a little bigger with more sea life to see.
We really enjoyed the...
Nancy S,
Feb 27, 2025
- Viator
5.00We really enjoyed the entire experience. Loved the penguins! We got there in time for their feeding.
Easy to get to from...
David R,
Feb 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00Easy to get to from Auckland CBD, whether by Uber or walking (if the weather is cooperative). Wet easy to navigate through the attraction, and while generally one-way walking traffic, it is easy to take a few steps back to capture that perfect penguin photo (and there will be plenty of those). A very informative tour with lots of placards and information. Easily done in about 2 hours. The Penguin Experience requires booking ahead online (well ahead) as it sells out.
The awesome under tunnel...
Kousik M,
Dec 24, 2024
- Viator
5.00The awesome under tunnel sea passage with sharks, stingrays, turtles, huge fishes just above the head.
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