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Planning Your School Visit

3 ways to explore

Combine active, hands-on learning with fascinating educational talks and an opportunity to have an up-close and personal view into our amazing aquatic world for your ultimate school trip at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium!

Found out for yourself how much a trip to SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s has to offer your students. Travel back in time to the age of Antarctic exploration, get up close to the largest colony of sub-Antarctic penguins on display in the Southern Hemisphere, and discover the jaw-some world of sharks and rays in the worlds’ first aquarium tunnel. There is something amazing to discover at every turn!

All visits include all-day admission to Kelly Tarlton’s – there are 3 ways to explore:

Self-directed visit:

Want to take your time and go at your own pace? Conduct a self-directed tour around our attraction. Take advantage of our free daily presentations delivered by our educators to add even more to your visit.

Classroom session:

Take an in-depth look into your chosen study topic with one of our marine biologists. This classroom session involves a lesson as well as the chance for students to handle marine artefacts and have a discussion with an expert!

Sleepover:

Fancy sleeping under the sharks instead? Follow this link to learn more about our famous sleepover experience!

General Excursion Information

The Aquarium is open from 9.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday for school visits with last admissions STRICTLY 4.00pm. 

School buses are not permitted to enter the SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's carpark in the daytime. Unless specifically told otherwise, your bus stop for drop-off and pickup is located on #21 Tamaki Drive. All self-directed visits must enter the aquarium through the main entrance. Classroom sessions should head to the EXIT building.

Payment is made on the day by credit card or EFTPOS only (Note: cash and cheques are no longer accepted). Only one payment is accepted for the bookings (individual payments and memberships not valid for school bookings).

Prepayment or invoicing payment methods are available, but this must be arranged with the education office no later than one week in advance.

Excursion Pricing

Excursion Type

2024 Prices
Preschool Self-directed visits (2yrs+) $15.00
Preschool Self-directed visits (0-2yrs) Free
Self-Directed Visits - Primary to High School $15.00
Self-Directed Visits - Support/Special Needs Groups  $15.00 (+1 free carer)
Self-Directed Visits - Language Schools & Tertiary Groups $20.00
Self-Directed Visits - Holiday Programmes $18.00
Classroom - Primary to High School $18.00
Free Teacher/Carer Ratios

Preschools - 1:3

Schools - 1:6

Special Needs Groups - 1:1

Language Schools - 1:10

Additional Adult Tickets $32.00
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Free School Resources!

Your students can explore the magic of the underwater world from the comfort of your classroom! Whether you're preparing for an excursion, or just want to learn more about marine life - our VIRTUAL aquarium has something for everyone!

With worksheets, posters, craft ideas, videos, and more - dive into the underwater world today!

Dive in here!

Don't miss out on even more FREE teacher resources

600 X 400 Group In Darwins Lab SLSA
2023 EDU School Calendar SLKT.JPG

FREE 2022 Calendar for Schools

A quick and easy reference for celebrated days such as World Oceans Day, World Environment Day and more. Plus a great tool for booking your next excursion to SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's!

Download now
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