DIVE ADVENTURESAROUND NEW ZEALANDThe breathtaking landscapes of NewZealand have graced movie theatre screensfor decades and have held viewers around theworld captivated, but how much do you knowabout diving in New Zealand? Did you knowthat between the diving around the NorthIsland and the South Island, it would take alifetime of dives to see it all? Try everythingfrom incredible offshore diving at the PoorKnights Islands and exploring fiords, wrecksand sub-tropical reefs through to navigatingkelp forests and swimming with dense schoolsof fish. It’s all possible in New Zealand!The Poor Knights IslandsAs a protected marine reserve, this isarguably New Zealand’s most famous divingarea. The diverse underwater topographyincludes drop offs, walls, caves, swimthroughs,arches, tunnels and a wide variety ofreef fish and marine creatures. The dive siteshere are bursting with blue maomao, snapper,kingfish, morays and brilliantly colorednudibranchs. Larger tropical species are alsospotted here and during the warmer periods,turtles, whales and even manta rays can befrequent visitors. There is a large resident(and visiting) population of sting rays whichattract orcas who come to feed on them – aphenomenal sight.Bay of IslandsThis marine rich region is also known asthe Bay of Plenty – for good reasons! Wreckdivers are drawn to the area to dive theHMNZS Canterbury or the Rainbow Warrior(Greenpeace’s flagship vessel, bombed by theFrench Secret Service). Both of these iconicNew Zealand wrecks are now encrusted instunning colourful jewel anemones and havebecome part of the living reef. The wrecksare also home to an abundance of fish lifeand macro critters. This area is rich in NewZealand history and a must see for all visitors.KaikouraThe South Island town of Kaikourais renowned for attracting sperm whales,dusky dolphins, New Zealand fur seals andalbatross. Although a highlight here is to goswimming with the sea mammals, no trip iscomplete until you’ve explored the stunningkelp forests and limestone reefs here too.The Coromandel PeninsulaDotted with islands, this coastlineprovides many healthy dive sites. Hiding insidethe kelp and crevasses you will find trevallyand blue maomao. The Mercury Islandsshould not be missed. Here you can swimamongst schools of fish, sharks and lookout for spot octopus in the marine reservesurrounding Mercury Islands’ waters. In thesummer months large kingfish school withgiant boar fish, john dory and tarakihi. A greatvariety of other marine animals inhabit thesewaters and some of the regular sightingsinclude; moray eels, stingrays, wrasse,demoiselles, porcupine fish, snapper andmany other vibrant species.The South Coast, WellingtonThis favourite shore dive for many divers,is home to a wide range of crustaceans andcephalopods. Rocky reefs and copious marinegrowth makes the area an attractive breedingground for a large variety of other marinespecies too. Prepare for the unexpected as theSouth Coast is often full of surprises!Aramoana, DunedinWithin this region kelp forests lie alongwith several scuttled wrecks. Whilst thewrecks are a draw card for some, it is thevaried marine life here which has put theregion on the diving map. Macro aficionadoswill be kept entertained while looking forseahorses, nudibranchs, eels, crayfish andevent carpet sharks. Those who prefer “bigfish” will not be disappointed as the regionattracts seven gill sharks, curious cod, greenbone,blue moki, wrasse and perhaps themost special of visitors – the New Zealandhooker sea lion. The area is also a voluntarymarine reserve to ensure it remains at its bestfor divers. Despite the chilly southern SouthIsland waters, this region rarely disappoints.Does New Zealand appeal to your senseof adventure both underwater and on land?No matter which region of this captivatingcountry you choose to visit there are stunningdiving opportunities just waiting to be seized.Visit padi.com to locate a PADI dive shop andget planning!48//WHERE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS/#218
© PADI 2020Contact your local PADI ® Dive Center or Resort to learn more, or visit PADI.com