Bay of Islands

Treat sanctuary compliance as part of your dive plan, not an afterthought. In the Te Pewhairangi Marine Mammal Sanctuary, no person may be in the water within 300 m of any marine mammal. That means your skipper can delay entry, relocate, or end a session if dolphins arrive. On snorkel trips, be ready to exit quickly and calmly. Choose operators that brief the rule clearly, and never attempt to approach, chase, or swim toward dolphins.

For scuba, most visitors are comfortable in a 5mm wetsuit during summer (Dec-Mar), when water often sits around 20°C to 22°C. In shoulder seasons, a 5mm plus a hooded vest works well for many divers. In winter (Jun-Aug), plan on a 7mm suit (or semi-dry) plus hood and gloves for long boat days in 15°C to 17°C water. Snorkelers often prefer 3mm-5mm even in summer for longer sessions.

Kerikeri (KKE) is the closest airport to the Bay of Islands. Paihia is roughly 23 km away by road, so most travelers pick up a rental car or pre-book a shuttle. If you are staying in Russell, you usually drive to Paihia or Opua, then continue by ferry. The Paihia-Russell passenger ferry takes about 15 minutes, while the Opua-Okiato vehicle ferry is about 10 minutes. In peak summer weeks, book transport early.

For suspected decompression illness, do not self-transport long distances. Call 111 for emergencies and contact the Diver Emergency Service (DES) at 0800 4 337 111 for diving-specific medical coordination. Hyperbaric treatment for Northland incidents is typically coordinated through Auckland hyperbaric services, with local initial assessment available through regional medical facilities such as Bay of Islands Hospital (Kawakawa). The right pathway depends on symptoms, timing, and weather, so let medical professionals coordinate transport and treatment.

Plan it as a Northland add-on day. The Rainbow Warrior wreck lies in the Cavalli Islands and rests on sand at about 26 m, so it is usually a boat trip launched from the mainland in the Matauri Bay area. From Paihia, expect a drive north plus a scheduled charter. Because the wreck depth is near the deeper end of recreational limits, Advanced Open Water (or equivalent experience) and good gas management are recommended. Many charters pair it with a nearby reef dive such as True Love Reef, depending on sea state and operator planning.

For beginners, the best snorkeling is usually in sheltered island coves on calm summer days (Dec-Mar). Rather than trying to self-pick an exposed beach, book an island cruise or water taxi that includes a calm swim stop and surface supervision. Motuarohia (Roberton Island) is a popular choice because it has a marked snorkel trail and a protected-lagoon feel in settled conditions. Wear a 3mm-5mm wetsuit for comfort, and remember sanctuary rules: you must exit the water if marine mammals appear nearby.

Poor Knights Islands is usually accessed from Tutukaka, south of Bay of Islands. A same-day trip is possible, but it is a long logistics day: you drive early, join the boat, then drive back after diving. If Poor Knights is a major goal, consider splitting your trip with at least one night near Tutukaka so you can take the earliest departure and avoid fatigue. Plan conservatively: winter swell and wind can cancel boats, and summer weekends can sell out.

Most divers do not need a special local dive permit for Bay of Islands. The main nationwide fee to plan for is New Zealand's International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), which is currently NZD $100 for most international visitors and is paid during the NZeTA or visa process. Beyond that, costs are activity based: dive charters, ferries, cruises, and any DOC bookings if you camp on islands. Rules (sanctuary, rahui, anchoring restrictions) matter more than permits.