An aquarium on Tamaki Drive in Orakei, just outside the Auckland CBD, opened in 1985 by the New Zealand underwater adventurer Kelly Tarlton. It houses thousands of marine animals from hundreds of species, including sharks, penguins, turtles, stingrays and seahorses. The website says it has more than 30 live animal exhibits and is home to New Zealand's only Sub-Antarctic penguin colony, in the Antarctic Ice Adventure, and to a Turtle Rescue Centre.
Other areas include a shark tunnel, where visitors walk under large sharks, a World of Jellyfish display, and Shipwreck Shores, an indoor playground. Snorkelling with sharks is also offered.
The website lists opening times of 9.30am to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm. Booking in advance online is recommended, and the website says it can save over 24%. A kids' ticket is listed at $19 as at October 2026, as a limited-time offer for online bookings, and annual passes start from $99 as at October 2026.
Visitors say the staff are friendly and the penguins, fish and sharks are a highlight, and one family with teenagers enjoyed it. Some say the underwater tunnel is short but worth walking more than once, and that it can feel underwhelming if rushed.