Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World is one of Auckland's favourite attractions. When the late Mr Kelly Tarlton, a world-renowned marine archeologist and diver, had the idea to build an aquarium in disused sewerage holding tanks under Auckland’s waterfront, to many it seemed like a hare-brained scheme. But the construction of the 110-metre acrylic tunnel used for the Underwater World was a feat of Kiwi ingenuity.If you're looking for a great deal on New Zealand campervan hire go to http://campervanhiresalefinder.co.nz.
Here's some interesting information on the history of Kelly Tarlton's, sourced from http://www.kellytarltons.co.nz
Kelly Tarlton’s dream came to fruition in January 1985, when after 10 months of construction, Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World opened. The underground project cost NZ$3 million. It was the first time a 110-metre long, waterproof, transparent acrylic tunnel had been built. Importing prefabricated tunnel sections was too expensive, so Kelly flew in enormous, flat sheets of acrylic from Germany. These were formed into the correct dimensions and then the one tonne sheets were oven heated and curved to the required tunnel shape. The sections were carefully lowered into the site in special order, through a hole in the footpath of Auckland’s waterfront. After the tunnels were sealed, everyone took a deep breath as they were tested to ensure they were watertight…and with a sigh of relief… they found no leaks! This was a world first; a transparent, underwater tunnel from which the public could be face to face with Sharks, Stingrays and other marine creatures.Sharks, stingrays, penguins -- they're all at Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World. You can even book a 'snorkel safari' and get up close to more than 40 species of fish from New Zealand’s coastal waters – including Blue Mao Mao, Eagle Ray, Snapper, Trevelly, Pig Fish and the famous Moray Eel.
Video: Justin checks out the tunnel at Kelly Tarlton's in Auckland, NZ
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I have been General Manager of Motorhome Republic, the operators of this website, for 4 years and with the company for 6 years starting as a Sales / Account Manager. Previous roles have included account manager and software architect for a web design firm, advertising sales across multiple media and television production. I’ve been lucky enough to go Motorhoming several times in Canada, USA and New Zealand so far and grew up going on caravanning holidays with Mum and Dad. The value and freedom Motorhoming offers are its two main drawcards for me. That and the envy on the other campers’ faces when you pull into a State Park campground with no hook ups in a 31’ Class C with double slide outs, on board generator, side awning, exterior entertainment unit and smoker unit for a 10kg salmon caught earlier that day.
I have been in the Motorhome industry for the best part of 6 years and with Motorhomes Republic for the last 18 months. I previously worked for the largest Motorhome rental company in the world as the New Zealand Sales Account Manager. I’ve traveled the length and width of New Zealand in many different categories of Motorhomes, in fact I don’t think there is a main state highway I haven’t driven. The love I have for Motorhomes is one of freedom and flexibility, doing what I want when I want. If I have a hankering for a cup of coffee in a beautiful scenic spot simply stop boil and enjoy….
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