Kelly Tarlton’s is the aquarium generations of Auckland children grew up with, and it still delivers. It was created in the mid-1980s by the diver and marine archaeologist Kelly Tarlton inside disused stormwater and sewage tanks beneath Tāmaki Drive, and its moving walkway through an underwater tunnel was a pioneering idea at the time. Today it is run by SEA LIFE and is home to more than eighty species in thirteen themed zones. The highlights are the Shark Tunnel, where sharks and big stingrays glide over your head; the Antarctic Ice Adventure, with a colony of king and gentoo penguins in a chilled snow habitat; and a full-scale replica of Scott’s Hut from the age of Antarctic exploration. Turtle Bay shows the aquarium’s rescue work as New Zealand’s only turtle hospital, and the seahorse displays include the spiny sea dragon. This page links to the Tiqets entry ticket.
How to visit: the aquarium is at 23 Tāmaki Drive in Ōrākei, about ten minutes by car from downtown along the waterfront. Buses run along Tāmaki Drive from Britomart, and the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus stops here, while walkers and cyclists can follow the seaside path from the city in under an hour. It opens daily from 9:30am to 5pm. The Tiqets entry ticket is a smartphone ticket scanned at the door.
What to expect: the visit is almost entirely indoors and underground, so it is a dependable rainy-day plan. Feeding and talk times run through the day, and it is worth checking them when you arrive so you can catch the penguins and the sharks. Extra paid experiences include the Penguin Passport behind the scenes and a Shark Cage Snorkel, booked separately. Most visitors spend around two hours.
Making the most of it: arrive at opening to see the penguins before the school groups, then walk or cycle along Tāmaki Drive to Mission Bay for lunch and a swim in summer. The waterfront path gives views of Rangitoto, and on a fine day it turns the visit into a half-day outing for the whole family.
What to expect
The experience
An indoor, mostly underground aquarium with a Shark Tunnel, a penguin habitat, a Scott’s Hut replica and themed zones, plus feeding talks.
Best time
Opening time on a weekday, before school groups arrive, or any wet afternoon.
How long
About two hours.
Tips
Check the feeding and talk times on arrival, and combine the visit with a walk along Tāmaki Drive to Mission Bay.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families with children and anyone who wants to see penguins up close.
- Families
- The Shark Tunnel and the penguin colony are the big hits with children of all ages.
- Couples
- Pair it with a waterfront cycle along Tāmaki Drive and lunch at Mission Bay.
- Pair with
- Mission Bay beach along Tāmaki Drive, or the Auckland Museum on a rainy day.
- Time needed
- Two hours.
Good questions
What penguins are at Kelly Tarlton’s?+
The Antarctic Ice Adventure is home to king and gentoo penguins. They live in a chilled habitat with snow, and feeding times are a highlight.
How do I get to Kelly Tarlton’s from downtown Auckland?+
The aquarium is about ten minutes by car along Tāmaki Drive, and buses run there from the city. You can also walk or cycle the waterfront path in under an hour.
What are the opening hours of Kelly Tarlton’s?+
The aquarium is open daily from 9:30am to 5pm. Last entry is earlier, so arrive with time to spare.
Is Kelly Tarlton’s good on a rainy day?+
Yes, the aquarium is almost entirely indoors and underground. It is one of the most reliable wet-weather plans in Auckland.
Can you snorkel with sharks at Kelly Tarlton’s?+
A Shark Cage Snorkel is offered as a separate paid experience. It must be booked in advance and is not included in standard entry.