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
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingAdmission tickets
from
AU$33.30
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
994 within 5 kms
Attractions
226 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- tekohiwiWhitianga, New Zealand599 contributionsA must doNeither 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 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 2 November 2023
- Relax5972541,122 contributionsA little expensiveVisited 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 2023Travelled soloWritten 10 November 2023
- Traci NAdelaide, Australia5 contributionsMum & adult daughter breakVisiting 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 2023Travelled with familyWritten 7 December 2023
- BrittanySevierville, Tennessee263 contributionsGreat 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 2023Travelled with familyWritten 29 December 2023
- jojoNavi Mumbai, India2,867 contributionsAmazing underwater tunnelTruely 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 2024Travelled with familyWritten 7 February 2024
- Tour415871199052 contributionsExcellent 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 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 February 2024
- tekohiwiWhitianga, New Zealand599 contributionsGreat attractionHadn’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 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 5 March 2024
- Stacey S4 contributionsFantastic 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 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 10 March 2024
- Barbara W1 contributionAn 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 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 April 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
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 waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.0
3,086 reviews
Excellent
1,255
Very good
1,055
Average
547
Poor
153
Terrible
76
TOM A
Chesapeake, VA698 contributions
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 22 February 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 7 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lori C
Toronto, Canada234 contributions
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 26 February 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 6 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bill S
Eugene, OR197 contributions
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.
Perhaps the managers should visit the aquaria in La Jolla and Singapore to see opportunities for improvement.
Written 13 February 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 6 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
timhartland
Mandurah, Australia1,006 contributions
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 9 January 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 18 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
OCkids
Orange County, CA19 contributions
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 12 February 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 13 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Aussie_2012
Melbourne, Australia960 contributions
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 7 January 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 Zealand64 contributions
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 20 January 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 1 February 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jacqueline S
53 contributions
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 12 December 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, Canada118 contributions
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 25 March 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 9 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
09Bear
Greystanes, Australia125 contributions
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.
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 18 March 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.
Is Rambo the octopus still there?
Written 18 August 2018
I’m not sure if the name but apparently there is an octopus in and out of quarantine (I think they said it was fairly new) so it’s only on display some of the time. Not when I went unfortunately
Written 12 September 2018
Hi we are staying in Hobson street where do we get the free shuttle from Cheers
Written 6 February 2018
152 Quay Street (bottom of Queen Street)
Written 15 February 2018
Do we need to walk alot from the hop on bus station?
Written 6 August 2017
No, the bus stop is very close to the aquarium entrance.
Written 7 August 2017
sparrow8885
Te Puke, New Zealand
At what time do they feed the penguins and fish?
Written 29 January 2017
The sign in the aquarium today said 14:00 tues & thurs for fish feeding.
Written 8 February 2018
Is there a family pass available??
I have 2 adults 4 children aged 11(triplets) and 7 yr old plus a 2 year old.
We would love to come through today before we leave town as we came here for our Christmas present to our kids.
Written 23 December 2016
Yes family pass available
Written 6 January 2017
Whats the chances of getting a park at the Aquarium car park ,mid January, if you arrive early, say 9:30 in the morning.
Written 3 December 2016
If you arrive early on a weekday you may get parking space right opposite the Aquarium. On Weekends - you may have to park some distance away in case there is a rush.
Written 26 December 2016
Hello Kharissa,
if you are thinking about the pictures that were taken before crossing the ice tunnel.. (and where you faking a shark attack)
These pictures were for sale at the exit of the Aquarium - in the general toy / souvenir section - they are not posted online.
Written 8 June 2016
With penguin experience, how close to the Penguins do you actually get?
Written 12 February 2016
Yes the penguins are behind glass for regular paying visitors, however when we went there was a small group within the penguin enclosure getting VERY close. I can only assume they were on the penguin experience as they were being spoken to by one of the keepers. Hope this helps
Written 16 February 2016
Hi, what is the best way to get to Kelly Tarltons from the cruise ship terminal, and how long would it take? We aren't taking the ship tours as they go other places too and we are meeting friends for lunch after. Thanks! It is 2 adults and a 3-year-old.
Written 13 December 2015
If you cant catch the Kelly Tarlton Shark Shuttle Bus the ordinary bus will drop you off outside. Here are the Shuttle details
Free Shuttle Service
The regular Shuttle Service is as follows...
7 days a week Kelly Tarlton's operates a FREE shuttle service from downtown Auckland!
Shuttle departs from 172 Quay Street (opposite the downtown ferry terminal).
The shuttle runs hourly on the HALF hour from 9:30am until 3:30pm, with the final pick up from downtown being at 3:30pm.
Written 14 December 2015
Does anyone know the average time it takes to see the aquarium?
Was trying to plan a day between the Aquarium and Waiheke Island. Is it too much to fit this into one day.
I plan to visit Jan-Feb of this year.
Written 30 September 2015
It takes around 3 hours to see the Aquarium.
For Waiheke Island - you need an entire day.
Written 26 December 2016
Showing results 1-10 of 13
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing