SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium

SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium

SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
4
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium is New Zealand’s most famous aquarium! It 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 jump into the shark Cage and go snorkeling with massive sharks or jump on the ice and get up close and personal with the King and Gentoo penguins!
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Admission tickets
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$22.68
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  • tekohiwi
    Whitianga, New Zealand600 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must do
    Neither of us had been for over 10 years so we saw quite a few changes but all were great. It’s an awesome attraction for young and old and so well done. Plenty to see and the cafe was well stocked and well priced. Definitely needs to be on your list when visiting Auckland.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written November 2, 2023
  • Relax597254
    1,112 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A little expensive
    Visited on a weekday, no queue. The entrance is small but they made an effort to put conspicuous signages. Find it a little expensive at NZD45. Saw a good mix of animals from penguins, stingray, jellyfish.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written November 10, 2023
  • Traci N
    Adelaide, Australia5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mum & adult daughter break
    Visiting from Australia which coincided with the massive Auckland flood in January 23. . Had a cruise cancelled so we decided to pop in to aquarium. Loved it. It was quite spectacular to see the high water levels against the glass, then watch it disappear. Beautiful experience for my marine bio student daughter seeing the rays and turtles & sharks. A great experience, and LOVE the moving ice tunnel!!
    Visited January 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written December 7, 2023
  • Brittany
    Sevierville, Tennessee263 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great 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.
    Visited February 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written December 29, 2023
  • jojo
    Navi Mumbai, India2,833 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing underwater tunnel
    Truely 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.
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written February 7, 2024
  • Tour41587119905
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent 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!
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 12, 2024
  • tekohiwi
    Whitianga, New Zealand600 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great attraction
    Hadn’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.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written March 5, 2024
  • Stacey S
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic 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!
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written March 10, 2024
  • Barbara W
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An 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!
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 7, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles3,077 reviews
Excellent
1,249
Very good
1,054
Average
545
Poor
153
Terrible
76

TOM A
Chesapeake, VA698 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
Located about a 15-20 ride from downtown right across from the harbor it is worth the trip. Real life Antarctica penguins and a host of other marine life including sharks and sting rays. Take the kids!
Written February 22, 2020
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 coming to visit us! It is great to know that you enjoyed your time here and I will be sure to pass it along to the on-site team. Kind regards, SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's
Written March 7, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Lori C
Toronto, Canada234 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
They didn’t disappoint, but the admission fee is very steep and the rest of the aquarium was similar to most aquariums we have been to. The aquarium in our home city of Toronto is more interesting. The penguins were abundant and fun to watch, different than the ones you typically get to see in their natural habitat.
Written February 26, 2020
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 Lori - thank you for coming to visit us! It is great to know that you enjoyed seeing the penguins, they are often a highlight for our guests. I hope that you also enjoyed the rest of the attraction - did you know that we are the only turtle hospital in New Zealand? Also that the tunnel you saw was the first of it's kind in the world? Kelly Tarlton built it himself and the design has since been replicated throughout the world. We do not receive any external funding and so the admission fee paid goes directly to maintaining the displays and caring for our animals - so we sincerely thank you for your support. Kind regards, SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's.
Written March 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Bill S
Eugene, OR198 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
We like aquaria but this one is poorly managed. They need to greatly improve the information about exhibits, including putting the information where it is relevant.
Perhaps the managers should visit the aquaria in La Jolla and Singapore to see opportunities for improvement.
Written February 13, 2020
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 - thank you for coming to visit us and also for taking the time to leave us your feedback. Although there is signage and information at each of our displays, there is always room for improvement and so I am happy to pass on your comments to the operations team. Kind regards and we hope to see you again.
Written March 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

timhartland
Mandurah, Australia1,009 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019 • Family
Visited as part of a day trip off a cruise, purchased combined with a hop on hop off in Auckland. Was second visit, first 4 years earlier. Now kids have grown somewhat was a new level of wonderment and a highlight were the penguins, just priceless. Great coffee and loved gift shop. Amazing IT and graphics for kids too. Could be a better rockpool and tank staff a bit young and abrupt/ aloof. Visited Perths recently and staff seemed to work hard to engage and value visitors. Cafe staff friendly. 20 mins out of Auckland central and a great view across harbour.
Written January 9, 2020
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 - thank you for coming to visit us, and also for taking the time to leave us a review! It is great to know that you had such a good time here, I will be sure to pass on your feedback to the on-site team as well. We hope that you will be able to come back and visit again soon. Kind regards, SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's.
Written January 18, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

OCkids
Orange County, CA19 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
The setting of the aquarium is quite unusual. It is set in an old tunnel, and the use of space is very clever. The aquarium has a variety of sea creatures, and it also has multiple areas for kids to play and explore. I would give it 5 stars if it was not for an unpleasant smell due to the tunnel past.
Written February 12, 2020
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.
Hi There, Thanks for visiting so glad you enjoyed your visit. Hopefully we see you again soon. Thanks Team at sea life Kelly Tarltons.
Written February 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Aussie_2012
Melbourne, Australia962 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023 • Couples
This place is an institution of Auckland so really wanted to visit and it did not disappoint. Price was a little on the steep side ($41 adults) but we did get to see some amazing animals in very good enclosures such as the king penguins in the ice habitat and the sharks and rays in the huge underwater experience which we went around 3 times it was so much fun. I didn’t find out about the encounter experiences but we did see some people having a close encounter with the penguins which would’ve been most memorable. There is so much educational information as well as a historical section dedicated to Kelly Tarlton himself. There’s a cafe and gift shop as well as an extremely educational and well done exhibit on Scott’s but in Antarctica. Arrive early as the place was packed and even a queue 15 minutes before opening. The car park too is a bit of a nightmare so more reason to get there early to secure a spot. Well worth it.
Written January 7, 2023
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.

melissasO2213BS
Rotorua, New Zealand66 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2021 • Family
A great afternoon visit to Kelly Tarlton’s. We loved the penguins, turtles and sharks especially. The exhibits are well laid out and include heaps of interesting information. Cafe has some tasty items - I had a delicious blueberry muffin. Parking onsite. Staff are friendly.
Written January 20, 2021
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 your lovely review! I will be sure to pass your kind words onto the on-site team who will be so pleased to hear them. It sounds like you made the most of your time with us, and we certainly hope to see you back again soon. Kind regards, SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's.
Written February 1, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jacqueline S
53 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022 • Friends
I suggest you take a packed lunch with you. The cafe here is not fit for purpose, I think you guys are missing a trick, you have a captive audience and they all have to literally walk through the cafe to get to the exit. We visited the cafe at1pm and there was nothing left other than the last1/2 wrap. There was a queue and only one guy serving so even the ice,olly that we picked out of the freezer was all melting!
Written December 12, 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.

slusignan
Montreal, Canada113 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023
This is a great place to see live penguins and the walk-through aquarium is wonderful; full of large fish, stingrays, sharks. It was not crowded when we went so we could appreciate it better. We found it a bit pricey as it's not a very large Aquarium and would only take you less than an hour to tour.
Written March 25, 2023
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. Thank you for leaving us a review about your visit with us. We are sorry to hear that you found us too expensive. As we are home to thousands of animals, our running costs are very high and we try our best to limit how much of this is passed onto our guests. Unlike other Auckland attractions, we do not receive any Government funding and so we rely on the proceeds from our ticket sales to cover the running costs. Due to the entire attraction being underground, we do not have the space to expand our aquarium much more. I hope you were able to enjoy all of the different zones we have inside the attraction, including the largest colony of sub-Antarctica penguins as well as New Zealand’s one and only Turtle Hospital! A great way to add time and value to your visit is to listen to one of our education talks that we do almost hourly throughout the day. We hope to SEA you again soon! Ngā mihi SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's :)
Written April 9, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

09Bear
Greystanes, Australia124 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023 • Couples
Wow, wow, wow, if you ever get the chance, find a way to book in and do the penguin passport experience. The aquarium itself is well worth a visit, but to be able to go into the penguin exhibit and walk amongst the penguins with two of the keepers to guide you is seriously worth every cent.
They only do one tour a day with a maximum group of 4 participants, so it can be hard to get into, but certainly worth it.
Written March 18, 2023
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.

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