Ocean Youth Aotearoa is back for the 2026 autumn holidays!

Please note that this is now a five-day programme, and will run in the second week of the autumn holidays.

Ocean Youth Aotearoa is aimed at rangatahi between the ages of 13-17 who are passionate about our moana and contributing to positive action for our oceans. The final programme for Autumn is yet to be confirmed but will include:

An introductory day at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium, with a behind-the-scenes tour
Talks by leaders in the marine space including volunteers, scientists, aquarists, and divers
Support to come up with your own project to support marine conservation in your own community, iwi, or school
A whole heap of fun and adventures in your very own Tīkapa Moana!

We want Ocean Youth Aotearoa to be accessible to all whānau. If cost may be a barrier, please feel free to get in touch- we’re happy to discuss options and support where we can. Afterpay has also been enabled if you would prefer to pay in installments.

Previous students of Ocean Youth Aotearoa had this to say:

"This programme has inspired me to make a difference."

"It was an amazing experience that I'm so glad I had the chance to have."

"It has taught me so much about how we can save our ocean and how anyone can contribute. It's definitely been fun, educational, and exciting!"

"My experiences and learnings from the Ocean Youth Aotearoa programme fuelled the passion of six months of work as I developed my connections through networks of other successful restoration groups"

"I loved hearing the stories about people's journeys as a marine biologist and being able to ask questions."

"The teachers were totally supportive of our passions and even made suggestions. The trip fueled my passion for the ocean even more."

"Everyone was amazing. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity and I will always remember it. I hope to see everyone again in the future and maybe even be one of the teachers that help make this program happen someday."

Limited tickets available- get yours now and join the #oceanyouthaotearoa movement to protect our oceans and create a sustainable tomorrow for Aotearoa. The future is in your hands!

"We may be 20% of the population, but we are 100% of the future." Ocean Youth Ambassador, Steph Evans

For FAQs and further information, please visit: https://www.visitsealife.com/a... or send an email to hayley@kellytarltonstrust.org. Some activities on this programme are weather-dependent and may need to change to indoor activities if necessary.

Facebook: oceanyouthaotearoa

Instagram: oceanyouthaotearoa

See below for photos of previous Ocean Youth Aotearoa programmes

Contact the host of Ocean Youth Aotearoa: Autumn Programme 2026