SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's General Admission
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SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's General Admission
By SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
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About
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.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 2-99
Duration: 1h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
- General Admission Ticket
- Entry/Admission - SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
- Guaranteed to skip the lines
What's not included- Hotel pickup and drop off
- Food and drinks (available to purchase on-site)
- Souvenir Photos (available to purchase on-site)
- Wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3920AKLKELTAR- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- 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)
- Most travellers can participate
- 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.
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3920AKLKELTAR
From
$36.00
per adult
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Similar experiences
Itinerary
- 1At 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.
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- jonfF6639NX0 contributionsFun for all agesViewed from the outside, this turns out to be a surprisingly extensive aquarium, as most of it is underground. It is well laid out, and the exhibits are informative. Highlights are the jellyfish, tunnel where sharks and rays swim over and around you, and of course, the penguinsWritten 26 January 2025
- puckstopper310 contributionsJust the most unique experience!…Book well in advance!Omg !…if you can’t get to Antarctica…get to Auckland. My wife’s dream came true as she walked with, stood with and hung out with Gentoo and King penguins. The group is limited to 4 people. The staff are always answering your questions and their love and care for these funny guys is clearly evident.Written 22 December 2024
- MumbaiRiders0 contributionsSea Life Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium."Kelly Tarlton's sea life aquarium " was opened in 1985 and the brainchild of New Zealand Marine archaeologist and deep sea diver Kelly Tarlton after whom it is named.This aquarium has been built in disused sewage tank's and hence partly below sea level and was the first aquarium in the World to use acrylic based curved tunnels for viewing rather than the normal flat glass viewing aquariums.This aquarium's main attractions are the "ANTARCTICA WORLD" with its King and Gentoo species Penguins and the "UNDERWATER WORLD" exhibiting various fish species including sharks and giant Ray fish.. Viewing the exhibits is by walking in a straight line through a passage pathway and the first exhibit was the replica Hut cabin of South Pole explorer Capt Robert.Falcon.Scott when he lived in the Antarctica during his failed and fatal expedition to be the first to reach the South Pole.Written 22 April 2024
- Nomad109473099590 contributionsDon't BotherDon't bother prepaying tickets. You won't get parking to actually visit and a refund shouldn't be expected. Parking Nissan absolute joke at any point in the day and you just seem to the congestion circling around in fruitless hopes of visiting the venue.Written 11 April 2024
- barbarawM466OV0 contributionsAn experience to remember!We were only in Auckland for 2 days before joining a cruise. We visited the centre as I love all marine life. We found they exhibits beautiful to watch and stayed for a couple of hours wandering around, had a tasty lunch there and throughly enjoyed the experience. However, I was taken ill just before we were about to go and I must say that the staff were amazing in they way that the helped both me and my husband. They really couldn't do enough for us. Thank you to you all!Written 7 April 2024
- staceysB8521ZQ0 contributionsFantastic experience!!This was only the second time I've been here, the first was when it hadn't been open long and I was very young with my parents, (I'm now 48!!) Absolutely amazing! Awesome that we can see and learn about certain sea life that we wouldn't otherwise get to see. Great educational place regarding Scott's Hut etc. Really impressed!Written 10 March 2024
- tekohiwi0 contributionsGreat attractionHadn’t been here for over 8 years so it had changed of course but thoroughly enjoyed it. Had lunch at the cafe watching the tide lap against the window. Great displays and highly recommend it. We even saw baby Penguins.Written 5 March 2024
- Tour415871199050 contributionsExcellent experience.The first clue that this aquarium was quite compelling was the fact that on a Tuesday midday, most of the patrons were adults without children. The penguin exhibit was very good, with its giant antarctic penguins waddling around. The turtle tank where they rehabilitate injured giant turtles was a bit vacant as only one turtle missing a flipper was residing. The shark tank with its moving sidewalk inside a tunnel was quite good. Many other colorful fish and attractions complete your day. We accessed the aquarium on the TMK bus from Britomart (about 15 minutes). Be aware they are cashless, so bring your credit card!Written 12 February 2024
- jojo52220 contributionsAmazing underwater tunnelTruely amazing underwater views tunnel from Entry to Exit showing about 30 live awesome animal exhibits and wondrful habitants display. It was wonderful experiennce enjoyed penguins, fish,cafe, views, kids games, shops etc.A Day with the Life of Penguin Keeper was most liked. It was properly maintained and especially kids enjoyed most.Written 7 February 2024
- Sue H0 contributionsThis aquarium should definitely be on your "must-sees". It is fantastic.The experience was wonderful and well worth the cost of admission. Regardless of your age you will really enjoy this experience.Written 4 February 2024
- L3696QRpaulr0 contributionsSuperb ExperienceParticipated in the Shark Dive highly reccomend it to anyone you do not need any experience and the level of instruction and knowledge from Sophie the Instructor was supernWritten 15 January 2024
- paulrF9114FG0 contributionsShark DiveParticipated in the Shark Dive had Sophie as our instructor really enjoyed getting up close to the sharks totally safe and easy to participate with no experience of any kind neededWritten 15 January 2024
- Suwimonbow0 contributionsNot a lot on offerThe whole experience wasn’t too bad. We were expecting a lot more. The cafeteria didn’t have much to offer and what it did have, wasn’t fresh. The pies were hard and the croissants couldn’t be toasted because they didn’t have one. For NZ the good old fish and chips is a definite must. But not here. No divers in the aquarium interacting with the sea life. A mermaid for the kids would of been delightful for the kids.Written 6 January 2024
- BrittTravelsAround0 contributionsGreat for kids!My son had a blast from the moment we walked in! Compared to the aquarium near us in the U.S., this one was quite a bit smaller but still a lot to see and learn! There was plenty to keep my son interested, as well as a playground near the end. We weren't planning on visiting the aquarium but there was so much rainfall, we needed an indoor activity and I'm very glad we chose to go! We picked up a stuffed animal penguin "Pang" that my son still plays with to this day.Written 29 December 2023
- Tim M0 contributionsGreat fun family dayThe kids had a great time and enjoyed all the things on show They couldn’t stop talking about it all the way home to WhangareiWritten 26 December 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.0
147 reviews
Excellent
74
Very good
33
Average
22
Poor
9
Terrible
9
cptiger44
Englewood, FL25 contributions
Dec 2024 • Family
Penguins are always a treat, but the underwater nature of this aquarium and special construction features makes it unique. much larger than expected. Not easy to get to, we used uber, got tickets day of admission. Staggered admission kept lines moving.
Written 10 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Quaxot
North Vancouver, Canada66 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
This isn't the largest aquarium I've visited, but some of the displays were exceptional. The way the UV lighting was applied to the jellyfish tanks was mesmerizing. My wife and I only had an hour to visit and we managed to see everything we wanted to, but I would have liked to have had more time to read some of the display information (especially in the Scott/Shackleton Antarctic exhibit) and to watch the penguins.
Written 12 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terri B
1 contribution
Jan 2025 • Family
My family and I really enjoyed our experience at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s. There are so many different sea creatures to see, as well as interactive stations to keep the younger kids engaged. I like how the windows are at a low level to make it possible for toddlers to see through easily. It is stroller friendly, for anyone visiting with babies/toddlers.
There is a safe, fenced playground for the kids to play in with a cafe just next to it with some yummy food and drink selections. At the end there is a neat little gift shop where I purchased something as a memoir of my visit.
I 100% recommend checking it out if you are in Auckland. Booking online was super easy plus I received a discount and guaranteed entry at my chosen time slot.
I will be back again.
There is a safe, fenced playground for the kids to play in with a cafe just next to it with some yummy food and drink selections. At the end there is a neat little gift shop where I purchased something as a memoir of my visit.
I 100% recommend checking it out if you are in Auckland. Booking online was super easy plus I received a discount and guaranteed entry at my chosen time slot.
I will be back again.
Written 13 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KZyden
Paeroa, New Zealand3 contributions
My kiwi friends and family talked about Kelly Tarltons in a way that made me have high expectations for the experience. With how much it cost I thought it woyld have been nicer. You can definitely tell it's an older building and hasn't changed much in almost 40 years. I'm glad I took the kids once, but we won't be going back.
Written 30 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sammy
New Plymouth, New Zealand37 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Over priced, underwhelming and disappointing. This was very disappointing due to congestion, smelly food, lack of ventilation & unsupervised children on the travelator. No staff were monitoring the lack of mask use, which was highly apparent . There were also many children who seemed to be allowed to use this facility as a playground. The cafe area had a strong smell of fried food in it and there seemed to be minimal ventilation. Signage of how to find the travelator was lacking. We paid $42 pp to enter. The only part that was worthwhile was the penguin enclosure which was good. This (penguin) experience was not worth the full price. The aquarium is old and tired and could do with a huge spruce up. I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone.
Written 30 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dale H
1 contribution
Nov 2024 • Friends
The parking lot is small but, the experience is huge! "Do not judge this book by it's cover." The facility is very well done. The penguin display is huge, the penguins were very active and the employees were knowledgeable. The undersea display was very well done and complete with a moving sidewalk to allow for easy viewing of the entire display. This is a great way to spend 2 hours.
Written 3 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
joanne j
5 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
We have been here before but this was the first time back since COVID hit. We had the whole place to ourselves for a while so I took the opportunity to take as many pics as possible before the crowds. A new young lady called Laurie it was her first day and we listened to her talk about the sea creatures in the big tank in the cafe. She was very good, interesting and engaging. It felt nice and one to one because the crowds had not entered at that point as you had to book a time slot to get in. It's important we support these local treasures in our community to keep them going and give valuable jobs and experience to the staff there. Please pay them a visit and make sure you book your time slot in advance via bookme etc.
Written 12 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora and thank you for the fin-tastic review! It's fabulous to hear that you had a good visit and learned lots about the amazing creatures we have at the aquarium. I will pass your kind words to Laurie :-) Great advice on the camera! Have a krill-iant day and we look forward to "seaïng you again soon. Kind regards SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's.
Written 24 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AnnPhilip65
Auckland, New Zealand17 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
Not stopping activities so early. Not rushed out before 5pm. If you want folk to be put you need to state 4:45, not say you’re open till 5pm. Felt pressured from 4:15 to leave, not good enough. Disappointed no octopus, eels the finale not there very disappointing. There should be something of interest at the end.
Written 10 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gary Sheridan
Sydney, Australia81 contributions
Nov 2022
Part of three bus loads from the first big cruise ship in Auckland since the Covid lockdown. The aquarium didn't make the most of this at all. The whole place stunk of some sort of resin or fiberglass. Lots of people coughing and watery eyes etc and part of the place was closed (I assume). The cafe wasn't open either, so no food, drink or souvenirs.
Penguin part was good - but most reviewers are saying that. Shark tunnel was okay but those walk through tunnels are featured in a lot of aquariums.
The slideshow shown on the ship was good, but the place itself didn't live up to expectations and left me disappointed.
Couple of kids running around and they seemed to be okay with the place, but most adults in my group were outside after about 40 mins or so.
Penguin part was good - but most reviewers are saying that. Shark tunnel was okay but those walk through tunnels are featured in a lot of aquariums.
The slideshow shown on the ship was good, but the place itself didn't live up to expectations and left me disappointed.
Couple of kids running around and they seemed to be okay with the place, but most adults in my group were outside after about 40 mins or so.
Written 27 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Smaug_11
Johannesburg, South Africa140 contributions
Very average experience and not really worth the price. It took about an hour to get in - despite prebooking tickets online, you still have to queue and get them scanned at the counter. The whole entry process could have been stremlined with a bit of management. The aqaurium is cute but very small with a limited range of species. The shark tunnel is pretty cool, but thats about it. There needs to be major upgrades with more informative signage
Written 24 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora and thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. Thank you also for your feedback regarding our admissions process. It was a challenge negotiating our way through the changes required by the Government guidelines and customer feedback was a very valuable tool in streamlining those processes.
We are currently redeveloping some of our older zones. Unfortunately, due to COVID these haven't happened as quickly as we would have liked but we are well underway now! Our new zone Sea Cave Adventure will be open by the end of the year and other areas will continued to be developed including signage and interpretation around the attraction.
It's great to hear that you enjoyed our shark tunnel. It is often one of the highlights, especially if the sharks or stingrays swim over your head!
Take care and have a fin-tastic day :-) Kind regards SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's.
Written 24 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I know this is late but it may help others in future :) their website says they have 3 wheelchairs available for use that are available on a first come, first served basis and cannot be booked prior to arrival.
Written 26 August 2019
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