Things to do · Destination Guide
Swim with wild Hector's dolphins, explore protected volcanic coastline, and watch penguins from Akaroa.
Pick an activity mode to compare signature sites, skill fit, and gear planning notes before you lock your trip.
DOC explicitly recognizes recreational diving in Akaroa Marine Reserve at the harbour mouth and Pohatu Marine Reserve at Flea Bay. Access is not casual: offshore conditions change, both approaches have demanding 4WD roads and Pohatu has no phone reception or nearby medical help. Dive HQ Christchurch supplies equipment, servicing and diver training in Christchurch, but a scheduled, currently bookable Akaroa guided scuba charter was not verified. Plan as a locally supported independent or specifically arranged outing, never as a guaranteed daily boat dive.
Akaroa Marine Reserve
DOC documents diving/snorkeling at this harbour-mouth reserve, boat/kayak approaches and very limited 4WD road access.
Pohatu Marine Reserve (Flea Bay)
DOC describes underwater habitat and scuba access, but this is a remote reserve with 4WD-only vehicle approach, private land and no local phone service or medical help.
Operator Checklist
Confirm a real provider or experienced local buddy, surface rescue plan, equipment, cylinder fills, entry and exit, permissions, sea conditions and emergency communication. Avoid unauthorized land access and keep all shells, lobster, paua and fish in place. Scuba certification and a dive plan are separate from permission to swim with dolphins. Most critically, do not schedule the near-600 m ascent over Banks Peninsula after diving without professional advice on safe surface intervals and altitude exposure.
Conditions Fallback
Avoid