Adventure Magazine Feb 2020

DIVE ADVENTURES
AROUND NEW ZEALAND
The breathtaking landscapes of New
Zealand have graced movie theatre screens
for decades and have held viewers around the
world captivated, but how much do you know
about diving in New Zealand? Did you know
that between the diving around the North
Island and the South Island, it would take a
lifetime of dives to see it all? Try everything
from incredible offshore diving at the Poor
Knights Islands and exploring fiords, wrecks
and sub-tropical reefs through to navigating
kelp forests and swimming with dense schools
of fish. It’s all possible in New Zealand!
The Poor Knights Islands
As a protected marine reserve, this is
arguably New Zealand’s most famous diving
area. The diverse underwater topography
includes drop offs, walls, caves, swimthroughs,
arches, tunnels and a wide variety of
reef fish and marine creatures. The dive sites
here are bursting with blue maomao, snapper,
kingfish, morays and brilliantly colored
nudibranchs. Larger tropical species are also
spotted here and during the warmer periods,
turtles, whales and even manta rays can be
frequent visitors. There is a large resident
(and visiting) population of sting rays which
attract orcas who come to feed on them – a
phenomenal sight.
Bay of Islands
This marine rich region is also known as
the Bay of Plenty – for good reasons! Wreck
divers are drawn to the area to dive the
HMNZS Canterbury or the Rainbow Warrior
(Greenpeace’s flagship vessel, bombed by the
French Secret Service). Both of these iconic
New Zealand wrecks are now encrusted in
stunning colourful jewel anemones and have
become part of the living reef. The wrecks
are also home to an abundance of fish life
and macro critters. This area is rich in New
Zealand history and a must see for all visitors.
Kaikoura
The South Island town of Kaikoura
is renowned for attracting sperm whales,
dusky dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and
albatross. Although a highlight here is to go
swimming with the sea mammals, no trip is
complete until you’ve explored the stunning
kelp forests and limestone reefs here too.
The Coromandel Peninsula
Dotted with islands, this coastline
provides many healthy dive sites. Hiding inside
the kelp and crevasses you will find trevally
and blue maomao. The Mercury Islands
should not be missed. Here you can swim
amongst schools of fish, sharks and look
out for spot octopus in the marine reserve
surrounding Mercury Islands’ waters. In the
summer months large kingfish school with
giant boar fish, john dory and tarakihi. A great
variety of other marine animals inhabit these
waters and some of the regular sightings
include; moray eels, stingrays, wrasse,
demoiselles, porcupine fish, snapper and
many other vibrant species.
The South Coast, Wellington
This favourite shore dive for many divers,
is home to a wide range of crustaceans and
cephalopods. Rocky reefs and copious marine
growth makes the area an attractive breeding
ground for a large variety of other marine
species too. Prepare for the unexpected as the
South Coast is often full of surprises!
Aramoana, Dunedin
Within this region kelp forests lie along
with several scuttled wrecks. Whilst the
wrecks are a draw card for some, it is the
varied marine life here which has put the
region on the diving map. Macro aficionados
will be kept entertained while looking for
seahorses, nudibranchs, eels, crayfish and
event carpet sharks. Those who prefer “big
fish” will not be disappointed as the region
attracts seven gill sharks, curious cod, greenbone,
blue moki, wrasse and perhaps the
most special of visitors – the New Zealand
hooker sea lion. The area is also a voluntary
marine reserve to ensure it remains at its best
for divers. Despite the chilly southern South
Island waters, this region rarely disappoints.
Does New Zealand appeal to your sense
of adventure both underwater and on land?
No matter which region of this captivating
country you choose to visit there are stunning
diving opportunities just waiting to be seized.
Visit padi.com to locate a PADI dive shop and
get planning!
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