Kelly Tarltons Underwater World- Auckland, New Zealand

Already the drive along the bays of Auckland Harbour is nice and relaxing, and Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World and Antarctic Encounter is well worth the visit although it is very touristy. But it still is a place you should not miss.

The Antarctic section which includes historic items and the recreation of Scott's hut from the early days of the great explorations cannot really compete with the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch, as this is the place where the real Antarctic journeys start. But you won't see penguins like at Kelly Tarlton's in Christchurch where they have just introduced a colony of Little Blues.

Kelly Tarlton's features King and Gentoo Penguins. The big King Penguins - only the Emperors are bigger - look like inflated toy animals when they stand on the ice without motion. The Gentoos are similar, just a little smaller and not as colourful as the Kings with their yellow throats. One of them is said to dance in front of the cameras but on my visits I did not see that. (And really, would it not be terrible if he would dance on command?)

The penguins get fresh snow and ice, freezing temperatures and changing daylight cycles, so they feel a bit like home. I am sure they would prefer to live in the Antarctic but they are still nice to watch from the snow-mobile that transports you through their icy enclosure.

Kelly Tarlton's has started in 1985 with the Underwater World, and this is really something. You walk through a transparent acrylic tunnel, and sharks, giant stingrays, squids, piranhas and less scary fish and other marine creatures like sea horses and crayfish swim around you - in fact, right in front of your nose, at some centimetres.

It is rather scary to watch the staff in the tanks feeding the sea predators. The sharks get handfed on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1.30pm, stingray (11am, 1pm, 3pm) and penguin encounters (10am+4pm) are daily.

Open daily 9am-6pm
Entry fee: adults $29.50 (online 26.55), children (4-14y) $14/12.60, family passes available. (Prices as July 2008)

Update July 2008
If you do not know what to do with your last NZ$ 100 - perhaps you want to spend them on plunging in a pool with a 200 kilo short-tailed stingray? That is the latest attraction they offer at Kelly Tarlton's. You do not need diving or snorkelling experience on this guided plunge - just overcome the thought that the Crocodile Man Steve Irwin was killed by a stingray, perhaps... Right after my visit I saw it on Breakfast TV. They said you should not step towards the stingrays. Ok then ;-)

Cost is NZ$ 98.50 (including admission), children (minimum height 130 cm) $ 83.

Kelly Tarltons Underwater World, Auckland

Auckland Hotels

Kelly Tarltons Underwater World, Auckland

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