12/06/2025
4.2 / 5
Discover the wonders of marine life at Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium in Auckland. Experience underwater tunnels, interactive exhibits, and a variety of sea creatures. Plan your visit today!
Welcome to Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium, an extraordinary underwater adventure located in the heart of Auckland, New Zealand. This unique aquarium offers visitors an unforgettable experience with its diverse marine life and interactive exhibits.
Opened in 1985, Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium was the brainchild of renowned marine explorer Kelly Tarlton. The aquarium is built in an old sewage storage tank, which has been transformed into a stunning underwater world. It is home to over 30 different species of marine animals, including:
Visitors can enjoy a range of attractions, including:
Planning your visit to Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium is easy. Here are some essential details:
Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium is easily accessible by public transport, car, or bike. There is ample parking available for visitors driving to the aquarium.
Whether you're a local or a tourist, Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium is a must-visit destination in Auckland. With its fascinating marine life and engaging exhibits, it promises a fun and educational experience for all ages. Don’t miss out on this incredible underwater journey!
Karan Joshi
4/5
🌊 A Fascinating Underwater Experience at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium! 🐠🦈🐧 Visited yesterday and had an incredible time exploring SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium! The entire aquarium is uniquely built underground, which adds a special charm to the visit. There's convenient parking right outside, and inside, you’ll also find a cafeteria offering snacks and drinks for a quick break. The main highlight for me was definitely the penguins! 🐧 They have a large number of them, and the setup is amazing—a cold, snowy environment specially designed to suit their natural habitat. It’s so heartwarming to see them playing around, and you get to observe them really up close! Another standout feature was the moving walkway tunnel—you just hop on and it slowly moves you through an underwater world filled with colorful fish, sharks, and stingrays swimming right above and beside you. It truly gives the sensation of walking under the sea. You’ll also spot crabs, jellyfish, and other marine creatures, each displayed beautifully. It’s a great place for kids and adults alike to learn and enjoy. 🔹 Suggestions for Improvement: The entry fee is a bit expensive, so it might not be ideal for every budget. I did feel a bit lost in certain areas, so I’d recommend that they provide a map and some guidance on what’s inside at the ticket counter. It would make the visit smoother. Overall, it was an extraordinary experience and a must-visit attraction in Auckland if you're into marine life. 📸 (Photos attached) #LocalGuide #SEALIFE #KellyTarltons #PenguinParadise #AucklandAquarium #UnderwaterAdventure
Chantéll Geldenhuys
5/5
5/5 stars! Our visit to Sea Life Kelly Tarltons Aquarium was an unforgettable experience! From the moment we stepped onto the illusion walkway, I knew we were in for a treat. The aquarium is home to an incredible array of marine life, and it's clear that the animals are well cared for. What impressed me most was the affordability and excitement of the outing – it's perfect for families with kids! The play area, where kids can burn off energy while parents relax, offers stunning views of the city. The penguin exhibit was a personal highlight – getting up close and personal with these charismatic creatures was a thrill! I also loved the interactive experiences, such as the coloring station where kids can bring their own fish to life on the big screen! The gift shop was the perfect place to pick up some memorable souvenirs – our daughter fell in love with a mermaid stuffed doll, while I treated myself to some beautiful turtle earrings. Overall, Sea Life Kelly Tarltons Aquarium is a must-visit destination for families. The experience is worth every penny – we can't wait to come back!
Nish Ahuja
4/5
Simply amazing. Lots of family fun. Nice cafeteria and play area. The dome to view these precious sea creatures is really exotic. Whenever it's raining outside we prefer to visit this aquarium. The Penguins area is also a great attraction.
Average Rating: ⭐ 4.2/5