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Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World: Traveler Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #55 of 89 attractions in Auckland
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Attraction type: Aquarium, Nature center, Ballet
Address: 23 Tamaki Dr | Orakei, Auckland, New Zealand
Tel: 64 9 528 0603
Fax: 64 9 528 5175

TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

Reviews of Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World

( 6-10 of 12 )
“Interesting but Expensive”

Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World

May 7, 2006
5/5 found this review helpful

I'm an antarctic history buff and so I quite enjoyed seeing the replica of Robert Scott's hut. And I was impressed by the size of the penguin colony and the apparent good care that the animals receive. I recognize that keeping these (and the other) animals healthy and fit requires a good bit of money for clean housing, good food, and veterinary care. Even so, I was a bit suprised by the steep price tag - $26NZ for a single adult entry. Because I was an interested adult travelling alone, I could take the time read every sign and check out every display. Even so, I managed to spend only 2 hours at the centre before I had done, seen, and read everything that was available. Had I been travelling with other adults, I wouldn't have spent even half that time. And had I been travelling with children, I'm quite sure that 45 min would have sufficed. This makes me think that it is probably too expensive to recommend heartily. If you have the cash and don't care how much time that buys you, then go ahead. Otherwise, you might want to spend that money at the zoo where you can spend the day and see many more animals.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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“Don't even waste your time or money”

Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World

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1 of 5 stars
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Dec 26, 2005
5/5 found this review helpful

We hadn't read any reviews prior to our trip but we had read some guidebooks. All of the guidedbooks raved about Kelly Tarltons. Well, it was a dump. It seemed like it would have been nice 20 years ago. But it had definatly seen better days.The moving walkways weren't even moving. And the animals looked old and tired as well.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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“Okay but not worth it”

Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World

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2 of 5 stars
flagstaff, az
Aug 23, 2005
4/6 found this review helpful

I have to say that this attraction was a little bit of a let down. There are some interesting exhibits, but I didn't think it was worth the price of admission.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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“It's OK, but pricey”

Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World

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3 of 5 stars
Phoenix, AZ
Jun 5, 2005
7/7 found this review helpful

This zoo/museum is really aimed more towards families. It's smaller than what I thought it would be and it's expensive for what you get (as of May 29, 2005, $20 NZD per adult, which was about $15.20 USD on that date). Some parts are interesting if you like the history of Antarctica. You don't get very close to the penguins or get to see them for very long. There are some large stingrays, small sharks and a limited number of fish. It's fine, but I didn't think it was worth the price.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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“Poor experience”

Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World

May 1, 2005
5/5 found this review helpful

I was quite disapointed by the aquarium. After all i read on this page i thought it'll be a good idea to take my family there. It cost a fortune and the attractions are so few. I felt it was a rip off. For a better experience go to the Kattegat Center in Denmark (Grenaa).

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Reviews of Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World

( 6-10 of 12 )
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Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World: Management Resources

Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World Address

23 Tamaki Dr | Orakei, Auckland, New Zealand
Tel: 64 9 528 0603 Fax: 64 9 528 5175