New Zealand

Scuba diving in New Zealand

Even though New Zealand is located way further South in temperate climates, it is still part of Polynesia. As long as you are not a “Warmduscher” (a person who only takes hot showers) warm, you will find great diving in the North and the South Island of New Zealand. Moreover, if you enjoy diving for seafood like scallops and crayfish, you will love diving in New Zealand.

Diving in the North Island

The North Island offers great dive sites with the most famous areas located in the upper half of the island. The best known New Zealand dive sites are located in the Poor Knights Islands. This marine reserve is easily accessible from Tutukaka and offers fantastic marine life. However, there are many other great places to dive.

Just to the South of the Poor Knights Islands are the Hen and Chicks Islands, which also offers superb diving similar to the Poor Knights.

There are many other good dive locations like the Bay of Islands, White Island, Leigh, Great Barrier Island, the Coromandel Peninsula and many more.

Diving in the South Island

In the South Islands, Fjordland offers by far the most spectacular diving. Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound both offer very rich marine fauna and are a must do for everyone that is not afraid of cold water.

Shipwrecks in New Zealand

There are also many great shipwrecks to be dived in New Zealand. Here is a list of some of the most famous wrecks in New Zealand:

1. Mikhail Lermontov: The Russian cruise liner lays off Port Gore at the top of the South Island.

2. Rainbow Warrior: The Greenpeace flagship which was sunk by French secret service men lays in the Bay of Islands.

3. HMNZS Canterbury: The New Zealand Navy vessel was sunk in the Bay of Islands for sole purpose of scuba diving.

4. HMNZS Waikato. The New Zealand Navy frigate lays just a short boat ride out of Tutukaka.

5. HMNZS Tui . The New Zealand Navy minesweeper also lays off Tutukaka.