Dunedin's Boutique Aquarium
The Aquarium showcases marine life from Southern New Zealand waters and is a window on marine research at the University of Otago.
We are open to the public seven days a week, and offer marine education programmes, guided tours and special events. There are special activities and displays at weekends and school holidays. Visitors may help with fish feeding on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 2-3pm.
There are over 100 different types of creatures in the Aquarium including sharks, octopus, seahorses, seastars, crabs and crayfish. Some of our displays change according to the season.
This Month's Feature Creature
Marvel at the life-size Colossal Squid replica - it is based on the first Colossal Squid caught by a NZ fishing boat. It is huge, but experts say it is only a juvenile!
Take a ride in a yellow submarine for a virtual trip to the deep canyons off the coast.
Get up close to live sea creatures. Our hands-on touch pools are a really popular place with young and old alike. Stroke an anemone or a seastar, and seek out the tiny fish and crabs hiding in the seaweed. Great photo opportunities!
We look forward to seeing you at the Aquarium soon!
Volunteer Opportunities
Are you interested in becoming a volunteer at the NZ Marine Studies Centre and Aquarium? Further information is available on our Volunteers page.