Dunedin and Otago Coast

Before Entering

• Ask the local dive provider to confirm entry permission, depth, route, tide, exit, return plan and weather/surge cutoffs.
• Read the Otago Navigation Safety Bylaw 2026 for applicable diver and vessel rules; do not approach harbour shipping channels or rely on ship crews noticing you.
• Check Port Otago harbour control and MetService marine forecast plus local wind and tide observations. Use required diver markers and a competent shore/boat observer as appropriate.
• Confirm fitting 7mm or drysuit thermal protection and your own cold-water experience. Do not solo scuba, freedive or snorkel.
• Check ORC/LAWA swimming advisories and avoid immersion for 48 hours after heavy rain.

If Conditions Deteriorate

Do not enter simply because a booking was paid for. A change from Aramoana to Wellers Rock or cancellation is a normal safety outcome. Orau Marine Reserve south-coast reefs are exposed and DOC describes them as appropriate only to highly experienced divers on calm, flat days, not as a default replacement for a harbour dive. Call emergency services immediately when a dive injury is suspected.

For drowning, severe injury, suspected decompression sickness or arterial gas embolism, call 111 in New Zealand and describe the dive exposure. Dunedin Hospital has a 24-hour emergency department at 201 Great King Street. The Christchurch Hyperbaric Medicine Unit provides a 24-hour acute diving service for New Zealand south of Taupo, coordinated by the diver emergency line 0800 4DES 111. Do not assume a local Dunedin recompression chamber or self-transfer to Christchurch. Offer oxygen only if trained/equipped and instructed while arranging emergency care. DAN Asia Pacific also lists international dive-emergency assistance at +1 919 684 9111. Confirm that travel insurance covers decompression treatment, rescue and evacuation.

The Te Au Roa o Te Rakihouia network established five new Otago marine reserves in 2026. The Orau reserve covers nearby exposed Dunedin coast from Harakeke Point to St Clair, not the ordinary Aramoana harbour dive route; no taking, collecting, feeding or disturbing organisms is allowed within its mapped boundaries, and scientific research needs DOC approval. Check official maps and any rahui or specific closure before entry. DOC and Kai Tahu co-manage these new protected places. Aramoana, Matakaea and Pukekura also have Ngai Tahu cultural importance and wildlife protections. Keep at least 20 m from hauled-out seals/sea lions where possible, 50 m from penguins under local DOC wildlife code, and never block wildlife access. Commercial marine mammal interactions require DOC permits; no wildlife swim is part of this guide. Remove marine litter and clean gear between water bodies.