Kelly Tarlton's Auckland: The Complete Visitor Guide (2026)
Kelly Tarlton's is one of Auckland's most iconic attractions
Few attractions have introduced more visitors to New Zealand's marine life than Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium.
Located beside the beautiful Tamaki Drive waterfront just a few minutes from Auckland's CBD, Kelly Tarlton's combines world-class aquarium exhibits with Antarctic exploration, conservation, family entertainment and one of the world's largest collections of sub-Antarctic penguins.
Whether you're visiting Auckland for a weekend, arriving by cruise ship, travelling with children or simply looking for a great rainy-day activity, Kelly Tarlton's deserves a place on almost every Auckland itinerary.
Even better, it combines perfectly with the waterfront, Mission Bay and the scenic route travelled by Vintage Views' Double Decker Discovery.
What makes Kelly Tarlton's so special?
Unlike many aquariums built inside modern buildings, Kelly Tarlton's was created inside a series of disused sewage storage tanks beneath Tamaki Drive.
Marine archaeologist and diver Kelly Tarlton opened the attraction in 1985 with an ambitious vision—to bring visitors face-to-face with the underwater world using enormous curved acrylic tunnels.
Today those tunnels remain one of the aquarium's defining features.
Instead of looking into tanks from outside, visitors walk through them as sharks, rays and giant fish glide overhead.
It still feels surprisingly immersive, nearly forty years after opening.
A journey through New Zealand's oceans
Kelly Tarlton's isn't simply an aquarium.
It tells the story of the Southern Ocean.
Visitors move between different environments including:
New Zealand coastal species
Tropical reef fish
Seahorses
Rays
Sharks
Jellyfish
Octopus
Antarctic exploration
Penguin colonies
Conservation displays
Each zone has been designed to educate as well as entertain, making it equally enjoyable for adults and children.
Meet Auckland's famous penguins
For many visitors, the stars of Kelly Tarlton's are the penguins.
The attraction is home to the world's largest colony of Sub-Antarctic penguins on display, including magnificent King Penguins alongside playful Gentoo Penguins.
Watching them dive through icy water, interact with one another and waddle across the snow is often the highlight of the visit.
Unlike many zoo exhibits, the underwater viewing windows allow guests to appreciate just how graceful penguins become once they enter the water.
Walk beneath sharks
Perhaps Kelly Tarlton's most famous experience is the Shark Tunnel.
Moving walkways carry visitors beneath enormous acrylic tunnels where sharks, stingrays and large fish swim overhead.
It remains one of Auckland's most photographed indoor attractions.
Children especially love lying on the moving walkway watching sharks glide only centimetres above them.
A fantastic rainy day activity
Auckland's weather can change quickly.
Fortunately Kelly Tarlton's is one of the city's best indoor attractions.
Because almost the entire experience is indoors, it is an excellent option if:
it's raining
the wind is strong
cruise visitors encounter poor weather
families need an indoor activity
you're visiting during winter
Many Auckland locals keep Kelly Tarlton's in mind whenever overseas friends arrive and the weather refuses to cooperate.
Perfect for cruise visitors
Cruise passengers often have only one day in Auckland.
Kelly Tarlton's is close enough to enjoy without spending hours travelling across the city.
Many visitors choose to combine it with:
Mission Bay
Tamaki Drive
Auckland waterfront
Sky Tower
Auckland War Memorial Museum
Parnell
One particularly enjoyable option is to experience Auckland from two completely different perspectives.
Begin with Vintage Views' Double Decker Discovery.
The route travels along Tamaki Drive, giving fantastic elevated views across the harbour and directly past Kelly Tarlton's before continuing through some of Auckland's most beautiful suburbs.
After completing the tour, Kelly Tarlton's is only a short and inexpensive Uber ride away, making it easy to continue exploring without needing to hire a car or navigate unfamiliar public transport.
It's a relaxed combination that fits comfortably into many cruise itineraries while still allowing plenty of time to return to the ship.
The beautiful Tamaki Drive location
Even if you never entered the aquarium, Kelly Tarlton's sits in one of Auckland's most scenic locations.
Tamaki Drive hugs the Waitematā Harbour shoreline between the CBD and Mission Bay.
Along the way you'll enjoy:
Harbour views
Rangitoto Island
Cyclists and walkers
Beaches
Sailing boats
Volcanic landscapes
Waterfront cafés
This is one of Auckland's classic scenic drives and one of the highlights of the Vintage Views Double Decker Discovery route.
From the top deck of the beautifully restored 1960s London Routemaster, passengers enjoy elevated views of the coastline before arriving back in the CBD.
Is Kelly Tarlton's worth visiting?
For most visitors, yes.
Especially if you are:
✔ Visiting Auckland for the first time
✔ Travelling with children
✔ Looking for an indoor attraction
✔ Interested in wildlife
✔ Visiting from a cruise ship
✔ Enjoying Auckland over multiple days
It probably isn't an all-day attraction for most adults, but as part of a well-planned Auckland itinerary it works extremely well.
How long should you allow?
Most visitors spend around:
2 hours for a comfortable visit
3 hours if taking time with children
Longer if participating in animal encounters or special experiences
That timing makes it easy to combine with other Auckland attractions.
Suggested Auckland itineraries
Half Day
Double Decker Discovery
Kelly Tarlton's
Mission Bay lunch
Full Day
Sky Tower
Vintage Views Double Decker Discovery
Kelly Tarlton's
Mission Bay
Dinner on the waterfront
Cruise Ship Visit
Walk from Queens Wharf
Double Decker Discovery
Quick Uber to Kelly Tarlton's
Explore aquarium
Return to ship with plenty of time
Nearby attractions
Kelly Tarlton's pairs well with:
Mission Bay
Bastion Point
Tamaki Drive
Parnell Village
Auckland War Memorial Museum
Auckland Domain
Sky Tower
Viaduct Harbour
Wynyard Quarter
Why we recommend combining it with Double Decker Discovery
The best Auckland experiences complement each other.
Kelly Tarlton's lets you explore beneath the ocean.
Double Decker Discovery lets you explore the city above it.
One shows New Zealand's marine world.
The other introduces the neighbourhoods, beaches, skyline and spectacular harbour that make Auckland one of the world's most beautiful waterfront cities.
Together they create a relaxed, memorable day that is ideal for families, overseas visitors and cruise passengers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kelly Tarlton's good for cruise passengers?
Yes. It's close to Auckland's city centre and easy to combine with waterfront sightseeing.
Is Kelly Tarlton's suitable for young children?
Absolutely. Penguins, sharks and interactive displays make it one of Auckland's most popular family attractions.
Can I visit Kelly Tarlton's on a rainy day?
Yes. It is one of Auckland's best indoor attractions.
Is Kelly Tarlton's wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the attraction is designed to be accessible for most visitors.
How do I get there from central Auckland?
Taxi and rideshare services are quick and affordable, and the attraction is also accessible by bus. If you've taken the Vintage Views Double Decker Discovery, a short Uber ride from the CBD is often one of the easiest ways to continue your day.
Is Kelly Tarlton's worth it?
For families, wildlife lovers, first-time Auckland visitors and cruise passengers, it remains one of Auckland's classic attractions and is well worth including in your itinerary.