Kelly Tarlton’s, the Auckland aquarium, has had a $5.5million facelift and is set to relaunch as Kelly Tarlton’s SEA LIFE Aquarium on 29th September.
Related: Merlin Entertainments' Glenn Earlam on "Brands with Unlimited Potential"/ Two Oceans Aquarium's Dr. Pat Garratt on the International Aquarium Congress (IAC) 2012/ Hollyer Projects Oversees Facelift and Fun Retail for SEA LIFE Birmingham’s Commercial Area
Kelly Tarlton’s is now part of Merlin Entertainments' SEA LIFE group - the world’s largest aquarium operator, with 41 aquariums and more than 90 attractions across 4 continents. The $5.5 million redevelopment has created eight new themed zones including a walk-through penguin encounter and Maori Pacifica theming of the Shark Tunnel. There are new attractions such as New Zealand’s first-ever live jellyfish display; the world’s only display of Spiny Sea Dragons; the world’s biggest species of stingray, an interactive Rockpool Experience and a new animal-themed quiz trail.
James Thomas says, “Kelly Tarlton’s SEA LIFE Aquarium’s primary focus remains educating visitors about the importance of conserving New Zealand’s sea life, protecting animals and their habitats. The investment by Merlin Entertainments to make Kelly Tarlton’s new again after 27 years of operation, shows Merlin’s commitment to creating educational and inspiring experiences for visitors, all whilst maintaining the important heritage of Kelly Tarlton’s...
“The redevelopment has enabled us to deliver an even more enriching experience for visitors, as well as state-of-the-art enclosures for all our animals.”
The all new Kelly Tarlton's SEA LIFE Aquarium experience includes:
- Scott's Hut
- Antarctic Ice Adventure: all new walk-through with white out, underwater viewing and penguin ice caves
- Scott Base
- NIWA Southern Oceans
- Rockpools
- Stingray Bay
- Shark Tunnel
- Ocean Discovery
- Fish Gallery
- Seahorse Kingdom
- An all new interactive quiz trail, and an interactive playzone