Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium | Auckland

Information

Landmark: Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium
City: Auckland
Country: New Zealand
Continent: Australia

Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium, Auckland, New Zealand, Australia

Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium is an underwater aquarium located in the Orakei suburb of Auckland, New Zealand. It houses a diverse collection of marine life within themed exhibits.

Visual Characteristics

The aquarium is housed within a former World War II Antarctic research base. The primary exhibit features a 110-meter-long transparent acrylic tunnel that allows visitors to walk through a recreated ocean environment. This tunnel is illuminated by artificial lighting designed to mimic natural underwater conditions. The exterior of the facility is a concrete structure, partially submerged into the hillside.

Location & Access Logistics

Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium is situated at 23 Tamaki Drive, Orakei, Auckland. It is approximately 5 kilometers east of Auckland's central business district. Access is via Tamaki Drive, a main arterial route. Parking is available on-site, with a dedicated visitor lot. Public transport options include the AT Metro bus routes 705, 706, and 707, which stop directly outside the aquarium entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The facility was originally constructed as a naval base during World War II. It was later repurposed and opened as Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World in 1985 by adventurer and diver Kelly Tarlton. The aquarium's purpose is to educate the public about marine ecosystems and conservation, showcasing species native to New Zealand and Antarctic waters.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe sharks, stingrays, and a variety of fish species in the underwater tunnel exhibit. The Antarctic Ice Adventure allows viewing of King and Gentoo penguins in a simulated polar environment. The aquarium also features a tropical oceanarium and a Seahorse Kingdom exhibit. Educational talks are scheduled daily.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available throughout the facility. Shaded areas are provided within the penguin exhibit and in outdoor waiting zones. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available within the aquarium. Food and beverage options are available for purchase at an on-site cafe.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal viewing of penguin activity, visit in the morning or late afternoon. The aquarium is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry at 4:00 PM. Weekdays outside of school holidays generally experience lower visitor numbers.

Facts & Legends

A unique aspect of the aquarium's construction involved the use of salvaged materials, including the hull of a former Soviet spy ship, the 'Svetlyachok', which forms part of the underwater tunnel structure. This ship was originally designed for research in polar regions.