Aquariums & zoos

Aquarium tickets and passes in New Zealand

Our oceans and waterways are home to incredible creatures of all shapes and sizes. If you’re interested in finding out more about this unique habitat and the animals that call it home, book aquarium tickets! Explore at your own pace, join a special experience or simply enjoy delighting the little ones in your life.

What are the best aquariums in NZ?

New Zealand is home to some great aquarium experiences. If you’re looking for the best aquariums in NZ, a great starting point is Kelly Tarlton's SEA LIFE Aquarium in Auckland. Located just a short drive from the heart of the city, you’ll discover an assortment of fantastic displays and experiences. Spend an afternoon spotting unique sea creatures from across the globe, learn more about how different animals are cared for or meet some special species in person.

If you're interested in all things aquatic but are looking for a different experience, plan a visit to the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch. By booking a penguin encounter with RedBalloon, you’ll have the opportunity to head behind the scenes and learn how the centre’s resident penguins are fed and cared for. With many of the penguins having been rescued, you’ll also learn all about the rehabilitation process too.

Best aquarium experiences for kids?

Whether you’re looking for a great way to spend a weekend, a special experience for the kids or a fun way to pass the time during school holidays, a trip to an aquarium in NZ is a great pick. With RedBalloon, you’ll find some fantastic aquarium experiences for kids catering to most budgets and interests. Some of the best aquarium experiences available include:

• Wandering through the themed zones housed within aquariums. With a variety of animal exhibits and species to discover, a visit is sure to delight and inspire young animal enthusiasts.
• Attending feeding sessions and interactive talks. Little ones are sure to love hearing interesting facts about the unique sea creatures that call our oceans home.
• Visiting touch pools. While aquariums aren’t always overly interactive, touch pools provide an opportunity to get up close and personal with all manner of fascinating creatures.
• Walking through shark tunnels. It can be hard to gauge just how big sharks are. A stroll through a shark tunnel, where the imposing creatures swim overhead, will thrill young aquarium visitors.
• Meeting penguins in person. For an additional fee, older kids aged 14 years and up have the opportunity to spend time with King and Gentoo penguins.
• Swimming with sharks. Children measuring 1.3 metres and taller who are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian can take the plunge and spend a 15-minute session snorkelling with sharks, giant stingrays and other marine creatures. It’s good to note, however, that this type of experience is not included in standard aquarium passes. Additional fees do apply.

How much does going to the aquarium cost?

The cost of entry to aquariums in NZ varies between locations, age groups and the type of experience you’re interested in having. General entry to Kelly Tarlton's SEA LIFE Aquarium in Auckland sits at $29 for children between three and 15 years of age, with aquarium passes for adults 16 years and above coming in at $41 per person. If you’re looking to enjoy additional experiences, such as a penguin encounter or shark snorkelling, aquarium tickets will be more expensive.

Animal Experiences

Looking for more incredible animal experiences in New Zealand? With RedBalloon, you can discover shark encounters, dolphin and whale experiences, farm tours, and so much more. Learn more about the diverse animals that call our planet home and meet all manner of creatures, great and small!