Built in 1985 within a period of 10 months – Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World is a unique aquarium with innovative tunnel viewing of marine life as well as Antarctic creatures. The place is a must for the whole family.
Fondly known as the ‘number 8 wire’, Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World should not be missed by anyone who has a fascination for marine life and shares a passion for viewing these creatures up close.
The underwater world is a popular aquarium in Auckland, and was created by marine diver and archeologist Kelly Tarlton. A unique feature of the aquarium is that it was built using old sewage storage tanks.
The aquarium came up with a new method of acrylic shaping that permitted tunnels to be created as a pose to flat panel viewing. The main features are Antarctic Encounter and the Underwater World. Upon entering the aquarium tourists will walk into the Antarctic Encounter and will be able to view King Penguins and Gentoo Penguins that live in the aquarium’s temperature controlled habitats.
Within this area tourists will come across a restored Captain Robert Scott‘s hut which as it was during a tragic expedition to the South Pole in 1912. The tour doesn’t end here as tourists get to experience a thrilling ride on a Snowcat which passes through the penguins’ compound. The ride also features other aspects which all related to the theme of ‘Antarctic Encounter’.
Underwater world which was the first section to be developed in the aquarium has a 110 metre tunnel made out of its unique acrylic base, and is divided into two sections. Each section is designed to accommodate 200 species. The first section exhibits sharks, while the second accommodates schooling fish breeds. Separate sections have been created for species like octopus, sea horses, moray eels, crayfish, piranhas etc.
Tourists wishing to combine a visit to the aquarium and the Auckland museum on the same day will find it convenient to travel around if accommodation is near by. The Langham Hotel Auckland offers guests a central location as it is situated in downtown Auckland and four blocks away from the Auckland museum. Auckland luxury hotels such as this one cater to a range of travellers.
