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.
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 off Peak
Off Peak
General Admission Peak
Peak
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 points
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
23 Tamaki Drive Auckland Central New Zealand
End points
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
266 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Small aquarium
Martha C,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Small aquarium but had some interesting sea life. The shark tunnel and penguins were the best part! There were too many penguins in the enclosure.
Disappointed
valentinahF5133AP,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00I’m disappointed in not knowing you guys are USD and I basically paid triple to go to this trip! I need one of you to contact me to we can talk about this please! Thanks!!
Nice penguin exhibit
dpheyes,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Rode the HOHO bus to the aquarium, where we were able to see two different kinds of penguins along with other sea life. For a small-scale aquarium, it is pretty nice. There were several different activities for kids to participate in.
Great Family Day Out
AlisonDenton,May 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful day out for the whole family. The facilities are great, except the café which is very limited and very expensive. The VR is great, the kids really enjoyed it. Tunnel is wonderful for watching the fish and sharks circling so close. Great value for money
Don’t use trip adviser to book
L3104ACjulien,May 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Do not use this site within NZ, it wasn’t until I got my credit card statement, that I realised I had paid in US dollars, ended up paying more that if I had just walked into Kelly Tarltons with no booking. Would never use this site again. Kelly Tarltons was great though
Sea Life
Julieh2020,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great displays very colourful
Closed venue without notice nor refund
911jow,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00On a day trip in Auckland we had purchased tickets via TripAdvisor then on the day there was bad weather. We attempted to check with venue if they will still be open. There are no phone numbers to the venue, the website stated it was open so headed there via buses and bad weather. Venue closed with many people waiting in pouring rain. Have since received complimentary ticket via email which is useless to us travelling. No refund offered. Do not recommend booking this event.
Overpriced & Underwhelmed
248danj,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00This is a very small aquarium with a very big price tag. The entry fee is $49 NZD and there is maybe 1/2 hour worth of exhibits. The price is Double to triple the price it should be compared to other far superior aquariums around the world.
Do it! An amazing experience
Daniel C,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Second time visiting Kelly's and it amazed us as much as the First. The best aquarium in the southern hemisphere with fantastic penguin colony. We'll worth a visit, close to the Auckland CBD
Awesome
Passenger60935247185,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a absolutely fantastic time. Loved the conveyor belt around part of the aquarium. I went around 3 times as I felt I kept missing things. The fish are awesome to watch. There was so much to see. The penguin were amazing to see and watch. Worth every penny. I just didn't want to leave.
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