Mercury Islands Coromandel New Zealand

Treat Mercs dives as offshore, cold water dives even when the forecast looks benign. Use appropriate exposure protection, carry SMBs on every team, plan gas and turn pressures conservatively and adjust for the extra effort of swimming in current and surge. Many sites are a considerable distance from sheltered anchorages; be ready for imprecise drop offs and blue water ascents. Agree clear recall and separation procedures with your skipper, including what to do if you surface far from the boat. Always dive with a competent buddy and follow recognised training agency limits for depth, no decompression time and overhead environments. For advanced sites like Never Fail Rock, dive only with skippers who know the area well and are comfortable saying no when conditions are marginal.

The nearest major medical facilities are on the Coromandel Peninsula and in the Waikato region, with advanced hyperbaric services based in Auckland (Slark Hyperbaric Unit and Auckland City Hospital). In case of a suspected dive injury, activate the Diver Emergency Service (DES) via 0800 4 337 111, contact DAN if you are a member and call 111 for ambulance or coordinated rescue. Whitianga has medical practices and ambulance services, but serious cases will usually be transported to larger centres. Maritime emergencies should also be raised on VHF Channel 16 with Maritime Radio and Coastguard.

Conservation at the Mercs operates on two fronts: land and sea. On land, six of the seven islands are DOC nature reserves and all but Ahuahu are strictly no landing to protect globally significant seabird and reptile assemblages. Great Mercury has undergone major pest eradication and ecological restoration, and visitors must comply with strict biosecurity and fire rules. At sea, the Caulerpa Controlled Area at Ahuahu bans taking any marine life and imposes stringent cleaning requirements on anchors and gear to prevent spread of invasive seaweed. Divers, freedivers and snorkellers should maintain impeccable buoyancy control, avoid touching reefs, never feed fish and decontaminate equipment between regions. Respect any rahui or community led closures that may apply.