Kelly Tarlton's SEA LIFE Auckland Tickets

About Kelly Tarlton's SEA LIFE Auckland

Kelly Tarlton's SEA LIFE Auckland holds a special place in New Zealand's heart as the country's most beloved aquarium attraction. Named after marine archaeologist and diver Kelly Tarlton, this innovative aquarium was the first in the world to be built entirely underground, ingeniously repurposing old sewage storage tanks into a stunning underwater world. Since opening in 1985, it has become one of Auckland's most visited attractions and a must-see destination for anyone exploring New Zealand's largest city.

What makes Kelly Tarlton's truly unique is its extraordinary Antarctic Encounter – home to the only colony of sub-Antarctic penguins in the Southern Hemisphere. Watch as adorable King and Gentoo penguins waddle across realistic ice floes and dive through crystal-clear waters. The experience is unlike anything else you'll find at traditional aquariums, offering visitors a genuine glimpse into life at the frozen bottom of the world.

Beyond the penguins, Kelly Tarlton's showcases an impressive array of New Zealand's marine life and species from around the world. The famous underwater tunnels – another Kelly Tarlton innovation that has since been copied by aquariums globally – allow visitors to walk through massive tanks surrounded by sharks, stingrays, and tropical fish. The aquarium continues to honor Kelly Tarlton's legacy of ocean conservation and education, inspiring visitors to protect New Zealand's precious marine environments.

Kelly Tarlton's Ticket Prices & Options

Kelly Tarlton's offers various ticket options to suit different visitors, from standard admission to exclusive penguin encounters.

Standard Admission Tickets

Standard admission provides full access to all Kelly Tarlton's exhibits including the Antarctic Encounter, Shark Tunnel, and all interactive zones.

• Adult Tickets (16+ years): Starting from NZD $39 when booked online (gate price typically $47)
• Child Tickets (3-15 years): Starting from NZD $27 when booked online
• Children under 3: Free admission with paying adult
• Family Pass (2 adults + 2 children): Significant savings on family bundles

VIP & Special Experiences

For unforgettable encounters, consider upgrading to a VIP experience:

• Penguin Passport: Go behind the scenes to meet the penguins up close
• Shark Cage Experience: Get in a cage inside the shark tank for an adrenaline rush
• Behind-the-Scenes Tour: See how the aquarium operates with an expert guide
• Photography Sessions: Professional photos with penguins and marine life

Combo Tickets – Best Value

Combine your Kelly Tarlton's visit with other Auckland attractions:

• Kelly Tarlton's + Sky Tower: See Auckland from above and below
• Auckland Explorer Pass: Multi-attraction pass for ultimate savings
• Hop-on Hop-off Bus Combo: Includes transport to the aquarium

Exhibits & Attractions at Kelly Tarlton's

Kelly Tarlton's features multiple uniquely themed zones, each offering different marine experiences. The journey through the aquarium typically takes 2-3 hours.

Antarctic Encounter

The star attraction at Kelly Tarlton's is the incredible Antarctic Encounter – home to over 80 King and Gentoo penguins. Ride on a special snow cat vehicle through a recreated Antarctic environment where temperatures hover around -2°C. Watch penguins waddle across the ice, dive into crystal-clear water, and go about their daily lives in an environment that faithfully recreates their natural habitat. This is the only penguin colony of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

Shark Tunnel

Walk through New Zealand's famous underwater tunnel – a pioneering design that Kelly Tarlton invented and which has since been copied by aquariums worldwide. The tunnel takes you through a massive tank containing a variety of shark species, giant stingrays, and tropical fish. The experience of having sharks swim just inches above your head is truly unforgettable.

Stingray Bay

Get up close to graceful stingrays in this dedicated exhibit. Watch as these elegant creatures glide through the water, and learn about the important role they play in marine ecosystems. Interactive feeding experiences are available at selected times.

Turtle Bay

Meet the resident sea turtles and learn about conservation efforts to protect these ancient mariners. Kelly Tarlton's has been involved in turtle rescue and rehabilitation for decades, and you may see turtles currently in the recovery program.

Seahorse Kingdom

Discover the magical world of seahorses and their relatives in this beautifully designed exhibit. See species from around the world, including the distinctive Pot Belly seahorse and delicate pipefish. Learn about seahorse conservation and the threats facing these fascinating creatures.

Shipwreck Discovery

Explore a recreated shipwreck teeming with marine life. This immersive exhibit showcases how artificial reefs develop and the important role they play in supporting marine ecosystems. Tropical fish, moray eels, and various invertebrates make their homes among the wreckage.

Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit

Plan your visit to Kelly Tarlton's for the best experience.

Operating Hours

• Standard Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM daily (last entry 4:00 PM)
• Extended Hours (School Holidays): 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
• Christmas Day: Closed

Best Times to Visit

• Weekday mornings: 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM for the quietest experience
• Late afternoons: After 3:00 PM, crowds typically thin out
• Off-peak seasons: March to May and September to November
• Avoid: School holidays and rainy days when indoor attractions are busier

Daily Presentations

• Penguin Feeding: 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM
• Shark Feeding: 11:30 AM
• Stingray Feeding: 1:00 PM

Location & Getting There

Kelly Tarlton's is located on Auckland's scenic waterfront, just 10 minutes from the city centre on beautiful Tamaki Drive.

Address

Kelly Tarlton's SEA LIFE Aquarium
23 Tamaki Drive
Orakei
Auckland 1071
New Zealand

Getting There by Car

Located just 10 minutes from Auckland CBD on Tamaki Drive. Free parking is available at the aquarium.

Getting There by Public Transport

• Bus: Routes 767 and 769 stop directly outside Kelly Tarlton's
• Explorer Bus: The Auckland Explorer Bus includes Kelly Tarlton's on its route
• From CBD: Take a bus from Britomart to Mission Bay, short walk from there

Nearby Attractions

• Mission Bay Beach: 5-minute drive, perfect for combining with aquarium visit
• Auckland CBD: 10-minute drive
• Sky Tower: 15-minute drive
• Auckland Zoo: 20-minute drive

Visitor Tips for Kelly Tarlton's

Make the most of your Kelly Tarlton's adventure:

Before You Go

• Book online: Save up to 20% and skip the queue
• Check feeding times: Plan around presentations for the best experiences
• Dress warmly: The Antarctic Encounter is genuinely cold!
• Charge your camera: You'll want lots of penguin photos

During Your Visit

• Start with Antarctica: It's the most popular zone – visit early
• Take multiple tunnel walks: Notice new things each time
• Talk to staff: They're passionate marine experts
• Don't rush: There's more to see than you expect

For Families

• Activity sheets: Free fun for kids at entrance
• Interactive zones: Touch pools keep children engaged
• Stroller-friendly: Fully accessible throughout
• Combine with Mission Bay: Beautiful beach nearby for post-aquarium play

Frequently Asked Questions