The wild dreams of one adventurous kiwi became real here with the creation of Kelly Tarltons' Sea Life Aquarium and Antarctic Encounter.
Tarlton was initially a rock climber who instantly became obsessed with all things underwater when he saw a Jacques Cousteau Film. He took to hunting underwater treasure, traveled the world looking for silver and gold, and then he returned to Auckland and created his own underwater treasure house, designed to enable non divers to see under the sea. He is renowned for his skills as an inventor and fixer, and a massive streak of kiwi ingenuity which he channeled into creating this unique theme park.
One of Tarlton's own diving contraptions was a ‘Manta Wing’ that allowed him to fly across the sea floor in a Perspex bubble, personally laying cables and building foundations for the underwater world complex. The viewing tube with internal conveyor belts that traverses aquariums filled with sealife brought one million visitors in it's first 18 months and has not stopped.
Newer exhibits include an Antarctic Experience involving King and Gentoo Penguins, educational displays of jellyfish and sea dragons, turtles and some absolutely massive stingrays. If visitors choose to head down the famous Shark Tunnel, engineered by Tarlton himself, they are greeted by New Zealand's largest shark collection with a Maori Pacifica theme.
Image Credit: Researchassistent102
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