National Aquarium of New Zealand

The National Aquarium in Napier is a public aquarium featuring a 50-meter acrylic underwater tunnel for observing marine life. The tunnel passes through a large saltwater tank holding more than a million liters of water, home to various fish species and other sea creatures.

The aquarium started in 1957 as a collection in the basement of a memorial building and later grew into a standalone facility. Its move to the current Marine Parade location in 1976 marked an important turning point in its development.

The facility connects visitors with individual animals by highlighting their distinct behaviors and personalities. This personal relationship with the residents helps people understand and appreciate the creatures they encounter.

Plan time for observation moments, especially when feeding sessions happen and staff show the animals with explanations. The place is easy to explore at a leisurely pace and simple to navigate, with close-up views of marine life possible from the tunnel.

Some species are nocturnal and display their most interesting behavior during early morning or late evening hours when lights are dimmed. This natural rhythm makes visits at different times of day feel like entirely different experiences.