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6 Best Dive Spots in New Zealand
June 21, 2023
New Zealand is the country that just keeps giving: A paradise on earth of flourishing nature that extends from the land into the ocean. Attracting large sea mammals as they migrate through the waters, hosting mass kelp gardens and nutrient dense reefs fit for all species of fish; New Zealand was made for traveling so divers can easily tour both islands discovering the incredible marine diversity. With so many incredible dive locations to choose from we have narrowed down our 6 best spots to go diving in New Zealand.
1.Milford Sound
A popular and beautiful location on New Zealand’s South Island. Milford Sound is a 15km long fjord, with layers of fresh and salt water that descend to 265m/869ft. Milford Sound has an abundance of black coral trees which can reach up to 3m high; they can be found in unusually shallow depths. Dogfish, blue cod, and rock lobster can all be found in these waters. The water temperature varies from 12°C/54°F to 16°C/61°F with average visibility of 12.5m/41ft. The layering of water and agreeable temperature means Milford Sound offers a great opportunity to see a mix of warm and cold water species. It is possible to dive the fjord as a first timer or as a beginner with open water certification. Given the depth and unique water composition of the spot, Milford Sound also offers a lot to discover for advanced or technical divers wanting to descend into its darkness.
2. Goat Island
Over 40 years ago the water of Okakari Point Marine Reserve, also known as goat island, became a protected area. Ever since then the natural ecosystem has flourished, divers can find a plethora of species, some which have been enriching these waters for centuries. Water visibility is around 6m/19ft and currents can be strong so your diving experience and ability will impact which sites you can explore. There are multiple reef dives and water temperatures vary from 15°C/59°F in winter to 20°C/68°F in summer. For advanced diver Leigh Reef starts at 12m/39ft and is full of reef dwellers including rayfish, sea stars, nudibranchs as well as schooling kingfish. Beginners can enjoy shore dives heading towards Shag Rock spotting blue maomao on their way. Goat Island even boasts its own collection of cave dives so there really is something for everyone in this thriving underwater heaven.
3. Clutha River
This is one for the adrenaline junkies. Clutha River offers one of the fastest drift dives in the world. With an average visibility of 7m/26ft, divers have to truly give in to the current. The river which is the longest on the South Island is well known to drift divers as it has the perfect combination of depth, speed and visibility. There are also many sections of the river to dive from whether you are a novice drift diving enthusiast or experienced with a need for speed. Devil’s Nook is a whirlpool on one of the fastest stretches of the river which divers are thrown into at speeds of up to 12 mph and is described as an underwater tornado. Water temperature varies from 9°C/48°F to 18°C/64°F and it is only advisable to dive the river with a local dive center. Trout, inanga, koaro and taieri fathead galaxias are all fish who inhabit the river but spotting them at high speeds can be a challenge.
4. Marlborough Sound
Home to one of the largest, penetrable wrecks in the world, Marlborough Sound offers incredible diving opportunities for divers of all abilities. Sitting at the tip of the South Island is a network of now-submerged valleys, within the hidden depths are plenty for divers to discover who are willing to take on the chilly 15°C/59°F temperature. The MS Mikhail Lermontov is a russian cruise liner that sank after hitting rocks on the base of a shallow passage. At its maximum depth the ship sits at 38m/125ft but open water certified divers can explore it at higher levels starting at 12m/39ft. As divers explore this sunken vessel they can spot carpet sharks, blennies, cod and octopus. Marlborough Sound is home to many wrecks to explore from voyagers who fell victim to rough waters in Cook Strait. There’s plenty of sites and marine life to be seen as well as incredible bioluminescence night dives.
5. Kaikoura
When it comes to large sea mammals Kaikoura is the place to go. From ginormous sperm whales to dusky dolphins and fur seals there is always the opportunity for the dive of a lifetime swimming with mammoth marine life. On the eastern coast of the South Island the waters of Kaikoura average 12°C/55°F and have visibility up to 10m/32ft. From the Kaikoura peninsula divers can shore dive to limestone reefs or take a boat to explore rocks surrounded by giant kelp gardens. Coastal stingrays, thresher sharks, pacific octopus and many types of nudibranch can be spotted and with dive sites starting from 5m/16ft Kaikoura is a great destination for all ability scuba divers and free divers. Considered a hidden gem of the New Zealand dive scene it is a perfect location for quieter diving.
6. Poor Knights Islands
Conveniently located near to the New Zealand capital Auckland, Poor Knights Islands are a beacon for international divers. Volcanic rocks help support incredible water clarity reaching up to 30m/100ft during the winter. The water is divable throughout the year with temperatures ranging from 14°C/57°F to 25°C/77°F. Divers are never bored exploring Poor Knights Islands with dive sites featuring arches, drop-offs, tunnels and even one of the world’s largest sea caves. Formed by waves eroding the rock the cave is accessible to all divers with a maximum depth of 19m/62ft. Throughout the year dolphins, stingrays, exotic nudibranch and schooling reef fish can be found at this spot. Magic Wall is the ultimate site for macro enthusiasts and is full of photogenic fish and flora while Landing Bay Pinnacle lets advanced divers swim deep in search of eels, scorpion fish and firebrick stars.
Have we convinced you to book your tickets to New Zealand?