SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium?
What makes it 93% Kids-Friendly: Children get hands-on touch pools, an indoor playground, bright penguin and shark zones, wide pram ramps, and frequent talks, so it rates highly; only thrill dives have age limits.
Positives:
- Interactive Learning: Hands-on zones and guided sessions keep kids curious and excited.
- Indoor Comfort: All exhibits are indoors, so weather won’t disrupt your visit.
Challenges:
- Cold Penguin Zone: The Ice Adventure room stays at –2°C and can feel very cold for younger children.
- High Traffic Spots: Shark tunnel and penguin viewing areas can get crowded at peak times.
What is SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium?
- An aquarium converted from a former sewage-treatment plant situated beneath Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour
- A complex of eight themed zones featuring sub-Antarctic penguins, temperate reef species and transparent underwater tunnels for sharks and rays
- A conservation-driven marine research facility showcasing Southern Hemisphere species from rescued sea turtles to endemic fish and invertebrates
What is so special about SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium for with kids?
- Walk under sharks and rays in a glass tunnel
- Join rockpool ranger sessions and touch marine creatures
- Let kids burn energy in the Shipwreck Shores playground
- Meet king and gentoo penguins in a sub-Antarctic habitat
- Create digital sea creatures on a giant interactive wall
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Families can explore all main exhibits and join feeding talks at a relaxed pace without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
Shark Tunnel Walk:
Walk under a curved glass tunnel as sharks and stingrays swim overhead.
Tip: Visit mid-morning to avoid peak crowds and get clear photos.
Rockpool Ranger:
Let kids wear ranger hats and handle sea stars, hermit crabs and sea urchins under expert guidance.
Tip: Arrive early to secure a spot in the first session of the day.
Shipwreck Shores Playground:
An indoor play zone with slides, tunnels and treasure displays for energy release.
Tip: Use this break after exhibits to keep kids engaged and rested.
Antarctic Ice Adventure:
See king and gentoo penguins on real ice in a –2°C habitat.
Tip: Bring a warm layer; the viewing area is very cold.
Amazing Creations:
Kids draw sea creatures on touchscreen and watch them animate on a digital wall.
Tip: Take turns so each child can see their creation swim.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
- Buy Tickets Online: Secure entry times and skip the ticket queue by booking in advance.
- Start with Ice Adventure: Begin your tour in the cold zone to avoid backtracking when kids are tired.
Reviews of SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
The Kuzy Zee
We had my daughters birthday party here and hired the room which worked out to be more affordable and we were able to invite more guests. We were allowed to do our own catering which made it even better and the tour guide was amazing. Even though we were late staff were great and polite and friendly. We felt right at home. the kids loved it! The parents loved it too! So worth it.
Jassi Nagpal
Really enjoyed a seeing all the sea life with the family. The Penguins are the standout but the rest of the Aquarium is fun and informative with plenty of other animals to see. We booked tickets in advance to save time and money.
Danny Li
The aquarium overall was a pretty good experience. Great place if you love seeing penguins, turtles, sharks, jelly fish and other sea life creatures. Compared to other Sea Life we’ve been, it is smaller but it’s still a fun activity.
Marls D
As a party of 3, we visited Kelly Tarlton's. This place has been here for years. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit. The penguins are cute. Loved the Tuatara enclosure too. Highly recommend
s vivekananda
It is a popular public aquarium opened in 1985 in Auckland, New Zealand at 23 Tamaki Drive. Using disused sewage storage tanks, the aquarium used a new form of acrylic shaping, which allowed curved tunnels rather than viewing areas with flat panels only. They also used moving walkways for people to travel slowly through the viewing areas. Aquarium's main features are the Antarctic Encounter and th...
When is the best time to visit SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium (Auckland, New Zealand)?
School holidays (Dec–Jan) and weekends are busiest. Visit on weekdays or late afternoons to avoid lines.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 adult tickets | NZD 94 |
| 2 child tickets | NZD 56 |
| Total Estimated | NZD 150 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
Address: 23 Tamaki Drive, Orakei, Auckland 1071, New Zealand
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About SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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