Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium
Last Updated on July 25, 2024
Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium, located in Auckland, New Zealand, is a prominent marine aquarium and one of Auckland’s top attractions. It offers visitors a unique experience with over 30 live animal exhibits and other wildlife in spectacular habitat displays. Some of its highlights include the world’s largest Antarctic penguin colony exhibit and amazing underwater viewing tunnels that provide an immersive view of marine life.
The aquarium was founded by marine archaeologist and diver Kelly Tarlton (1937–1985) and opened in 1985. It’s situated on the waterfront of Auckland City on Ōkahu Bay, near the famous Mission Bay beach. The aquarium showcases a variety of marine species and offers unique experiences such as swimming with sharks and going on the ice with a colony of King and Gentoo penguins.
For those interested in visiting multiple times, there’s an option to purchase an Annual Pass, which allows unlimited access to the aquarium for a full 12 months. The aquarium is also a popular spot for educational trips and conservation efforts, contributing to the understanding and protection of marine life.
Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium Tickets
Here’s a list of ticket prices for Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium, along with information on available discounts:
- General Admission:
- Adult: From $45 (Save up to 25% by booking online in advance on weekdays)
- Child (2-15 yrs): From $36 (Save up to 25% by booking online in advance on weekdays)
- Student or Senior*: From $32 (Save up to 25% by booking online in advance on weekdays)
- Child (0-2 yrs): FREE
- Family Pass (2 Adult + 2 Children): From $145 (Save up to $33 online, now includes Digi Photo Pass giving you 10 digital photos)
- Annual Pass:
- New Pass (Unlimited Entry for 12 months): $119 per adult, $86 per child (Includes discounts on experiences, food & beverages, and more)
- Renewal Pass (Unlimited Entry for 12 months): Special renewal rates are available for existing members
Please note that prices may fluctuate during periods of high demand and are subject to available capacity. It’s recommended to book online to enjoy express entry and the best rates.
*Concession rates are available for individuals aged 65+ and tertiary students with a valid ID.
Contact
- Address: 23 Tamaki Drive, Auckland 1071, New Zealand
- Phone Number: (+612) 9333 9200
- Email: learn@kellytarltons.co.nz (for schools and group bookings)
- Live chat: Chat here
- Contact form: Fill in here
Opening Hours
Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium is open every day of the week with the following hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 9:30am – 5:00pm
- Last entry: 4:00pm
Please note that these hours are subject to change, especially during public holidays or special events. It’s always a good idea to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information before planning your visit.
The World’s Largest Antarctic Penguin Exhibit
The world’s largest Antarctic penguin exhibit at Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium is a remarkable feature that offers visitors a rare opportunity to see a colony of Sub-Antarctic penguins up close in their icy domain. This exhibit is home to New Zealand’s only colony of Sub-Antarctic penguins and is recognized as the Southern Hemisphere’s largest display of such a penguin colony.
Visitors can marvel at the King and Gentoo Penguins as they glide through the cold seawater, showcasing their natural behaviors and interactions within a carefully recreated environment that mimics their natural habitat. The exhibit is not only a spectacle for guests but also plays a crucial role in conservation efforts, including one of the most successful breeding programs on the planet.
For an even more immersive experience, the aquarium offers the Penguin Passport encounter, where guests can go on the ice with the penguins and enjoy a private Q&A session with an experienced Penguin Keeper. This unique experience includes suit-up in snow gear, a 60-minute interaction on the ice, and photos of the encounter. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with these magnificent birds and learn about their care and conservation.
The Antarctic Ice Adventure is a testament to Kelly Tarlton’s dedication to providing educational and interactive experiences that foster a deeper appreciation for marine life.
The Penguin Passport
The Penguin Passport at Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium is a unique and intimate experience that allows visitors to step onto the ice and into the world of the aquarium’s Sub-Antarctic penguin colony. Here are some key details about the Penguin Passport experience:
- Age Requirement: Participants must be 14 years or older.
- Duration: The experience lasts for 60 minutes, providing ample time to interact with the penguins and learn from the keepers.
- Behind-the-Scenes: You’ll get a chance to go behind the scenes and see how the aquarium cares for its King and Gentoo Penguins.
- Snow Gear: Participants are suited up in snow gear to comfortably join the penguins on the ice.
- Photography: Photos of your experience are taken while you’re on the ice, and these are included in the price.
- Admission: The experience includes all-day admission to explore the rest of SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium.
- Schedule: Penguin Passport runs at 10:30 AM every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
- Group Size: There’s a maximum of 4 participants per session, ensuring a personal experience.
- Price: Online booking starts from $175.20 per adult, with walk-up prices being higher at $219 per adult.
- Annual Pass Member’s Benefit: If you’re a Kelly Tarlton’s Annual Pass member, you get an exclusive 25% discount off the Penguin Passport.
Before participating, you will be asked to complete a declaration form, which includes health and safety questions such as recent contact with birds, ability to navigate stairs, and recent illnesses.
How to get to Sea Life Aquarium
If you’re in Auckland and planning to visit Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium, here are the directions by car and public transport.
By Car
- From downtown Auckland, it’s only about a 10-minute drive.
- Take the Port exit from the Southern, Northern, or Western motorway.
- Follow the road until you reach a T-intersection (with the ports of Auckland directly in front).
- Turn right onto Tamaki Drive.
- Kelly Tarlton’s is located on the right-hand side of the road.
- Free car parking is available in the Kelly Tarlton’s car park and on Tamaki Drive, subject to availability.
By Public Transport
- TāmakiLink Bus: Catch the Auckland Transport TāmakiLink public bus service coded as TMK Bus. These bright blue buses run frequently to and from SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium from Britomart every 15 minutes, 7 days a week.
- To get to Kelly Tarlton’s, hop on at Bus Stop 7019, at 55 Customs Street East (near Coffee Club Café). Allow 20-30 minutes travel time and hop off at Bus Stop 7320.
- From Kelly Tarlton’s, hop on at Bus Stop 7323. Allow 30-40 minutes travel time for the return trip.
- The buses are wheelchair and pushchair friendly.
- Free Shuttle Service: Kelly Tarlton’s also operates a free shuttle service from downtown Auckland. The shuttle departs from 172 Quay Street (opposite the downtown ferry terminal). It runs hourly on the half-hour from 9:30 AM until 3:30 PM, with the final pick-up from downtown being at 3:30 PM.