Wanderyn
Kelly Tarlton's
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · NZ

Kelly Tarlton's

Getting around: In Ōrākei, about 6km east of the CBD. Reachable by bus, or a 10-15 minute drive; there's on-site paid parking.
Hours: Open daily, typically 9:30am-5pm (last entry 4pm); hours can shift seasonally, so check ahead for holiday periods.

Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium is built partly underground in old sewage storage tanks, with a moving walkway through an acrylic tunnel that puts sharks, stingrays, and fish directly overhead. It also holds a notable colony of king and gentoo penguins in a snow-and-ice enclosure, a legacy of its origins as one of the first Antarctic-themed penguin exhibits in the world.

It's a compact, indoor attraction well suited to a rainy day or a visit with young kids, generally taking 1.5-2.5 hours to see properly.

Kelly Tarlton's FAQs

Is it good for young children?

Yes, it's indoors, stroller-friendly, and the shark tunnel and penguins are big hits with kids.

How long does a visit take?

Most visitors spend 1.5-2.5 hours.

Can you see penguins there?

Yes, there's a king and gentoo penguin colony in a refrigerated snow enclosure, with regular feeding times.

Is it accessible in bad weather?

Yes, it's entirely indoors, making it a good wet-weather option.

Is there parking on site?

Yes, there's a paid car park at the aquarium.

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