Wrecks, kelp forests, and island cruising in New Zealand's subtropical Far North
Updated Feb 13, 2026 • 19 sources
Top species linked to approved dive spots in Bay of Islands.
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New Zealand
Paihia Dive is the best little dive shop in the Bay of Islands, NZ. We run daily trips to the wrecks of the Canterbury and Rainbow Warrior, as well as reef sites in the Bay Of Islands. We teach SSI courses from Open Water to Instructor.
PADI
SSIDives near 10 spots
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Boat-access artificial reef with easy outer sections and deeper routes
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New Zealand
Paihia Dive is the best little dive shop in the Bay of Islands, NZ. We run daily trips to the wrecks of the Canterbury and Rainbow Warrior, as well as reef sites in the Bay Of Islands. We teach SSI courses from Open Water to Instructor.
PADISSIDives near 10 spots
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Last updated: February 13, 2026 • 19 sources
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Overview
Bay of Islands is Northland's subtropical archipelago: 140+ islands, sheltered coves, and a mix of easy reef dives and iconic wrecks. From Paihia or Russell you can day-boat to kelp forests, swim-throughs, and pinnacles, with the ex-HMNZS Canterbury as the headline artificial reef. Visibility is often 15 m to 20 m, and water ranges roughly 15°C in winter to 22°C in late summer. Above water, Waitangi history, island hikes, sailing, and waterfalls fill rest days. One big planning note: the Te Pewhairangi (Bay of Islands) Marine Mammal Sanctuary has strict rules, including staying out of the water within 300 m of any marine mammal. Build that into every dive and snorkel briefing.
Plan around two of New Zealand's best-known wreck dives: the ex-HMNZS Canterbury (Bay of Islands) and the Rainbow Warrior (Cavalli Islands day trip).
Warmer water than most of the country, plus sheltered island channels that often let operators find a lee.
The Te Pewhairangi (Bay of Islands) Marine Mammal Sanctuary requires strict separation from dolphins and other marine mammals, including a 300 m in-water exclusion zone.
Pair reef and wreck days with Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Russell's historic waterfront, and easy island hikes.
8 linked spots
Best time to go
December - April
Warmest water and longest daylight. Best for beach time and snorkeling comfort; busiest period.
Main caution: Cooler water and more frequent swells. Pick sheltered coves and watch wind forecasts.
