During the time it was open, Marineland housed several species of native and introduced marine wildlife, most notably including the common dolphin.

The history of Marineland began in 1964 when an Auckland architectural firm was commissioned by Napier City under mayor Peter Tait to design an aquarium and dolphin pool.

In the 1980s and 1990s, significant development occurred at Marineland with the construction of a grandstand and a new Marine Education Centre with funding from New Zealand Lotteries Commission grant In 1992, a very popular "Swim With Dolphins" programme was established.

Marineland was also home to a breeding colony of little penguins established from sick and injured birds, which were moved to the National Aquarium in Napier.

The council probe revealed false declarations were filed in 1996, 2006, and 2007, stating in all cases that the pups had arrived malnourished, harassed, or at risk for treatment.