Nestled near the picturesque Mission Bay Beach, Sea Life Kelly Tarltons Aquarium offers a captivating general admission experience for visitors of all ages. With over 30 live animal exhibits, including the world’s largest sub-Antarctic penguin colony and the unique spiny sea dragons, the aquarium promises an immersive and educational journey. Guests can explore the facility’s wheelchair-accessible grounds, enjoy free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance, and discover the wonders of the underwater world. Whether you’re a marine life enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable family outing, this aquarium’s diverse exhibits and interactive experiences are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Key Points
- General admission to SEA LIFE Kelly Tarltons Aquarium costs $27.66 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- The aquarium is located 6 km from downtown Auckland, near Mission Bay Beach, and is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Key highlights include the world’s largest sub-Antarctic penguin colony exhibit, spiny sea dragons, and unique underwater viewing tunnels.
- Visitors can expect a well-rounded experience with over 30 live animal exhibits, interactive Rockpool, and the popular Shark Tunnel.
- The aquarium is wheelchair-accessible, and children 2 years and younger enter for free when accompanied by an adult.
Ticket Information
Generally, visitors can purchase SEA LIFE Kelly Tarltons Aquarium admission tickets for $27.66 per person.
Guests also have the option of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now & pay later option is available.
The entry ticket provides access for a single visit, with children 2 years and younger admitted for free; all children (0-15 years) must be accompanied by an adult (16+).
The aquarium offers a convenient and flexible ticketing system, allowing visitors to plan their visit with ease and without any unexpected costs.
Whether booking in advance or on the day, SEA LIFE Kelly Tarltons Aquarium ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for all.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Auckland.
Location and Accessibility
The SEA LIFE Kelly Tarltons Aquarium is situated 6 km from downtown Auckland, near the picturesque Mission Bay Beach.
It’s conveniently accessible, as the aquarium is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry at 4:00 PM.
Visitors can easily navigate the self-guided attraction, as the facility is wheelchair accessible. This makes it an inclusive destination for people of all abilities to explore the wonders of the underwater world.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor to Auckland, the aquarium’s convenient location and accessibility make it an ideal stop on your itinerary.
Exhibits and Experiences
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarltons Aquarium boasts over 30 live animal exhibits with spectacular habitat displays, providing visitors with an immersive and captivating underwater experience.
One of the unique features is the world’s largest sub-Antarctic penguin colony exhibit, where guests can observe these adorable creatures up close.
The aquarium is also the only one globally to showcase the mesmerizing spiny sea dragons.
Visitors can explore the underwater viewing tunnels, the first of their kind, and interact with starfish in the Rockpool exhibit.
The highlight for many is the Shark Tunnel, which showcases great sand tiger sharks and giant stingrays.
The Seahorse Kingdom offers a rare glimpse into the world of spiny sea dragons.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Visitors have given SEA LIFE Kelly Tarltons Aquarium an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 125 reviews, praising its value for money, exceptional service, and well-organized operations. The aquarium’s highlights, according to customers, include the captivating penguin exhibit, the impressive shark tunnel, and the interactive rockpool experience.
Metric | Rating |
---|---|
Overall | 4.4/5 |
Value for Money | 3.9/5 |
Service | 4.4/5 |
Organization | 4.6/5 |
Unique Features | Strongly Recommended |
While some visitors suggest enhancing the acoustics during animal talks and better emphasizing the aquarium’s unique exhibits, the overall sentiment remains highly positive, making SEA LIFE Kelly Tarltons a must-visit attraction.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyVisitor Tips
Time-efficient visits to SEA LIFE Kelly Tarltons Aquarium are possible, with highlights including the captivating penguin exhibit and the impressive shark tunnel.
Visitors should expect crowds, especially on the moving walkways, so it’s best to plan accordingly.
To fully experience the aquarium’s diverse range of exhibits and interactive features, plan to spend a few hours exploring.
The unique spiny sea dragon display at the Seahorse Kingdom and the hands-on interaction at the Rockpool aren’t to be missed.
With over 30 live animal exhibits and immersive habitat displays, SEA LIFE Kelly Tarltons offers a well-rounded aquarium experience that’s sure to delight visitors of all ages.
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Penguin Colony Exhibit
The centerpiece of SEA LIFE Kelly Tarltons Aquarium is the world’s largest Sub-antarctic penguin colony exhibit, immersing guests in the icy habitats of these charismatic seabirds.
Visitors can marvel at the playful antics of the aquarium’s resident penguins as they dive, swim, and waddle through realistic ice formations.
The exhibit features three key highlights:
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Underwater viewing tunnels that provide an up-close encounter with the penguins swimming and foraging.
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Interactive zones where guests can observe the penguins’ feeding times and learn about their behaviors.
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Informative displays that educate visitors on the unique adaptations and conservation efforts surrounding Sub-antarctic penguin species.
Spiny Sea Dragons
Along With the impressive penguin colony, SEA LIFE Kelly Tarltons Aquarium is the only aquarium globally showcasing the captivating Spiny Sea Dragons.
These unique, armored creatures are found in the shallow coastal waters of southern Australia. At the Aquarium, visitors can marvel at the delicate movements and fascinating camouflage of these extraordinary marine animals.
The Seahorse Kingdom exhibit provides an up-close encounter with these enigmatic creatures. As visitors explore the Aquarium’s diverse marine life, they’ll be delighted to discover this one-of-a-kind opportunity to see the world’s only publicly displayed Spiny Sea Dragons.
It’s an experience that truly sets SEA LIFE Kelly Tarltons apart from other aquariums.
Underwater Viewing Tunnels
Visitors to SEA LIFE Kelly Tarltons Aquarium are treated to the unique experience of traversing underwater viewing tunnels, which offer an immersive glimpse into the diverse marine habitats.
These one-of-a-kind tunnels provide an up-close encounter with the aquarium’s fascinating aquatic inhabitants, allowing guests to observe their natural behaviors and movements.
Some key highlights of the underwater tunnels include:
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Panoramic views of the exhibits, creating a 360-degree visual experience.
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The opportunity to witness sharks, stingrays, and other large marine species swimming overhead.
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The chance to admire the vibrant colors and intricate details of the aquarium’s diverse marine life.
These innovative tunnels truly set the SEA LIFE Kelly Tarltons Aquarium apart, offering a captivating and unforgettable way to connect with the wonders of the underwater world.
Recap
With its engaging exhibits, including the world’s largest sub-Antarctic penguin colony and the unique spiny sea dragons, Sea Life Kelly Tarltons Aquarium offers a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
The affordable general admission ticket, wheelchair accessibility, and flexible cancellation policy make it a convenient and accessible attraction near Mission Bay Beach.
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