Kelly Tarlton re-opens, but sharks off-limits

A snapper is removed while aquariums are cleaned following last week's storm. Picture / Glenn Jeffrey

The stingrays and penguins are back on show but the sharks are still off limits as one of the country's most popular tourist attractions re-opens today.

Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World has opened most of its Tamaki Drive site to the public.

It will be charging a half-price entry fee over the next few days because the underwater aquariums, where the sharks swim, are unlikely to be ready for visitors for another week.

Re-opening today is the Antarctic Encounter and Stingray Bay areas, closed since Auckland's power cut caused flooding from an overflowing stormwater tank last week.

Operations manager Andrew Baker said turning people away had been difficult.

"That's the hard part for us, telling people who turn up we're not open."

It was hoped all attractions would be on display in time for the school holidays early next month.