Safety · Destination Guide
Two marine reserves, kelp forests, and wrecks on the doorstep of New Zealand's capital
Updated Feb 13, 2026 • 17 sources
Wellington can deliver excellent diving, freediving, and snorkeling, but it demands respect. Wind, swell, currents, cold water, and variable visibility are the main risk factors. Plan conservatively, use local advice, and build flexibility into your schedule.
For emergencies in New Zealand, call 111. For suspected decompression illness or diving-related emergencies, seek immediate help and use the national diver emergency pathway. Health New Zealand's hyperbaric medicine information lists a diver emergency service contact number (0800 4DES 111) associated with the Christchurch hyperbaric medicine unit.
For non-urgent health advice, Healthline is available 24/7 at 0800 611 116. Consider dedicated dive insurance (for example, DAN) for evacuation and chamber treatment coverage, especially when diving in variable conditions.
Rapid weather changes and strong wind
Wellington is extremely windy and conditions can deteriorate quickly. Always check marine forecasts, be conservative with go/no-go decisions, and keep a sheltered backup plan.
Currents around headlands and offshore sites
Cook Strait and Kapiti headlands can run strong currents. Plan dives around slack tide, use an SMB, and avoid unfamiliar offshore sites without local guidance.
Surge on rocky South Coast entries
Even when it looks calm, swell can wrap into bays and create surge at rocky entries. Choose protected entries and abort early if timing feels unsafe.
Cold water and wind chill
Temperate water plus Wellington wind makes hypothermia risk real. Use a thick wetsuit or drysuit, cover head and hands, and bring warm post-dive layers.
Taputeranga and Kapiti are marine reserves where natural features are protected. Key rules include: no fishing, no taking or damaging natural things (including shells, shellfish, and seaweed), no littering or polluting, and no interference with marine life (including feeding). Keep distance from seals, dolphins, and seabirds and never corner wildlife.
Help prevent the spread of marine pests by cleaning, draining, and drying gear between sites when possible. Stay within reserve boundaries using shore markers and apps like MarineMate.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when rapid weather changes and strong wind. Confirm local briefings before committing.
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand Emergency | Police, Fire, Ambulance | 111 | 24/7 |
| Coastguard New Zealand | Marine emergencies and on-water assistance | 111 (emergency), VHF Channel 16 (emergency), *500 (non-urgent assistance) | 24/7 |
| Diver Emergency Service (New Zealand) | Diving emergency coordination and hyperbaric referral pathway | 0800 4DES 111 | 24/7 |
| Healthline | Free health advice and triage | 0800 611 116 | 24/7 |
| Department of Conservation (DOC) Hotline | Safety hazards and conservation emergencies in parks and reserves | 0800 362 468 | 24/7 (hotline) |
| Fisheries compliance line | Report suspected illegal fishing or take | 0800 4 POACHER (0800 47 62 24) | 24/7 |