Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium
Auckland
Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium, opened in 1985 in Auckland, New Zealand, is a pioneering public aquarium built inside repurposed sewage storage tanks. It was conceived by marine archaeologist and diver Kelly Tarlton, who innovated the use of curved acrylic tunnels allowing visitors to walk through immersive underwater environments. The aquarium houses over 1,800 marine creatures, including sharks, stingrays, turtles, and the largest Sub-Antarctic penguin colony in the Southern Hemisphere. Its exhibits include the Antarctic Encounter with climate-controlled habitats replicating the penguins' icy domain, and Stingray Bay, featuring a large open-top tank for close viewing. The aquarium has undergone significant expansions and upgrades, including a 2012 rebranding aligning it with Merlin Entertainments' global Sea Life Centres. It also operates New Zealand's only Turtle Rescue Centre and offers interactive experiences such as snorkeling with sharks. Situated overlooking Waitematā Harbour, the aquarium is a must-visit for marine enthusiasts and families, blending education, conservation, and immersive viewing experiences.
Tip: To avoid queues and save on admission, book tickets online in advance. Visit during weekdays or outside school holidays for a quieter experience. Consider purchasing an annual pass for unlimited visits and special events. The aquarium is cashless, so prepare for card payments only. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer better lighting for photography and more active animal displays.
Interesting facts
- •The aquarium was built inside disused sewage storage tanks from the 1960s.
- •It was one of the first aquariums worldwide to use moving walkways through underwater tunnels.
- •The acrylic tunnel sheets weigh over one tonne each and are shaped by heating and molding.
- •Due to light refraction through water and acrylic, fish appear about one third smaller than their actual size.
- •The aquarium houses the largest Sub-Antarctic penguin colony in the Southern Hemisphere.
- •It is home to New Zealand's only Turtle Rescue Centre.
History
Kelly Tarlton proposed the aquarium concept in 1983, using disused sewage tanks on Auckland's waterfront.
Construction took ten months, pioneering a new acrylic tunnel shaping method that allowed curved underwater viewing tunnels.
The aquarium opened in 1985, initially featuring a 110-meter tunnel and over 1,800 marine animals.
In 1994, it expanded to include an Antarctic penguin colony and a replica of Captain Scott's hut.
Further expansions include Stingray Bay in 2004.
Ownership changed hands from Village Roadshow in 2008 to Merlin Entertainments in 2011, which led to a major upgrade and rebranding in 2012.
Place Guide
Underwater Viewing Tunnels1985
A 110-meter-long curved acrylic tunnel that allows visitors to walk through and observe marine life from all angles, pioneering the use of shaped acrylic sheets in aquarium design.
Antarctic Encounter1994
Climate-controlled exhibit housing New Zealand's only Sub-Antarctic penguin colony, featuring King and Gentoo penguins in a snow-filled enclosure that replicates their natural icy habitat.
Stingray Bay2004
A large open-topped tank holding 350,000 litres of water, designed with crystal clear acrylic for optimal viewing of stingrays and other marine species.
