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All 143 Auckland Central Attractions »

Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World

23 Tamaki Dr | Orakei, Auckland Central, New Zealand
64 9 528 0603
Leatherback Turtle
Awesome! Xtreme Shark Dive
Fins to the left! Xtreme Shark Dive
Close up from snowcat
105 visitor photos
Ranked #30 of 86 attractions in Auckland Central
3.5 of 5 stars 222 Reviews
Type: Aquariums, Nature/ Wildlife Areas, Ballets
Owner description: Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World is home to New Zealand's only sub-Antarctic penguins and offers a myriad of opportunities to...... more » Owner description: Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World is home to New Zealand's only sub-Antarctic penguins and offers a myriad of opportunities to get up close and personal with incredible marine life from the Pacific and Southern oceans.For a truly incredible experience, take the plunge on an Animal Adventure – we offer cage-free shark dives, PADI-recognised diver training, snorkel and scuba safaris through the Oceanarium or the chance to hand-feed the giant stingrays! « less
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222 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    68
    74
    47
    22
    11
Date Rating
Tel Aviv, Israel
Top Contributor
50 reviews 50 reviews
Reviews in 29 cities Reviews in 29 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
“Special attraction”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2012

This is unique attraction; we especially loved the walk while see the marine life all over you, the window facing the sea and the trip to see the penguin. It was bit too crowded, and bit expensive but otherwise ok More

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See 5 more reviews by DAG4 for Auckland Central
Los Angeles, California
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
“Xtreme Shark Dive Rocked!”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 14, 2012

I'm not certified to dive but the instructor for the Xtreme Shark Encounter, Megan, was great! She walked me through everything and I felt really comfortable with her. Andrew was also on hand to take pics and video which turned out really well! And I didn't even mind paying the extra $35 for the USB with pics and video on... More

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Hamilton
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
“Great visit”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 10, 2012

Everytime I visit this place it gets better. great to see the latest improvements making the visit better than the last. More

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Brisbane, Australia
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
“I have 2 tickets valid til end sept. And 4 $10 off vouchers if anyone is going here.”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 10, 2012

I come here especially for the penguins but could only view them through the window because of maintenance. Had a good selection of creatures the seahorses were amazing. Easy to find and park. Also has free shuttle bus. More

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See 2 more reviews by 50opd2j for Auckland Central
Auckland, New Zealand
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
“ripoff nothing to see”
1 of 5 stars Reviewed May 9, 2012

wHAT A WASTE OF TIME , It took us 5 to 10 mins to complete More

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Whangarei, Northland, New Zealand
Senior Contributor
37 reviews 37 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Kids loved it”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 8, 2012

This is an expensive outing - the kids love the fish and the ride thru the snow to see the penguins but it can be all over in an hour. Unless they are into the little movie, and reading the wall panels kids will be over it after 30 minutes - then they will want to visit the shop! More

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See 6 more reviews by Carol C for Auckland Central
Tokyo, Japan
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
“Run down”
2 of 5 stars Reviewed May 5, 2012

Allthough there were families everywhere this is another overpriced and overrated activity. Kelly Tarleton's really needs to be renovated. More

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See 3 more reviews by semsensei for Auckland Central
Auckland, New Zealand
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Secrets under the water.”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 4, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

The underwater tunnel is impressive and the aquariums too. The ride through the penguin display informative and fun. The price is a bit steep if you are taking a family. Grab an Auckland info book (for tourists) and you might get a 10% discount voucher. More

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See 20 more reviews by Sidan1 for Auckland Central
Port Macquarie, Australia
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
“Good family fun”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 2, 2012

Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic encounter was amazing.You get to board a snowcat for an enjoyable ride around to see the Antarctic penguins colony.Which allows you to view them up close and they are so cute.They also have a moving walkway to view sharks and stingrays .There is also some fish tanks with smaller fish,seahorses etc . I would recommend going to... More

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Auckland, New Zealand
2 reviews
“Great visit and service”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 1, 2012

I took my dad there in a wheelchair and got great service - they helped him in and out of the penguin viewing car and stored the wheelchair. The exhibitions are fabulous!! The only suggestion I would make is that the lift at the exit to get out with a wheelchair is a tight squeeze so maybe a bigger lift... More

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Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World
23 Tamaki Dr Orakei
Auckland Central
New Zealand
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