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Site summary for Boulder Garden; supports access, depth, and marine-life context.
Boat-access advanced boulder slope off Motukokako.
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Boulder Garden is a boat-access advanced dive on the west side of Motukokako in the Bay of Islands. The route is a steep boulder slope that drops into deep water and is known for sponge-covered rock, varied fish life, and occasional shark sightings. It is best treated as an experienced boat dive rather than a casual reef stop, with the skipper and weather window doing most of the planning work.
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
0m - 70m
Depth Note
The site starts at the surface, the main boulder band sits around 25m, and the slope continues past 50m.
Best Season
Year-round; calmer weather windows are best.
Typical Conditions
Outer-island boat dive with a steep deep slope, good fish action, and conditions that are more exposed than inner-bay reefs.
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Safety Notes
Treat Boulder Garden as an advanced outing with a disciplined ascent plan, careful gas management, and attention to boat traffic.
Access Restrictions
Boat access only; no simple shore entry.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Best for experienced scuba divers. The slope and boulder garden suit a deliberate, well-managed boat dive rather than a casual reef stop.
Freediving
Only suitable for very advanced freedivers who are comfortable on deep, boat-supported outer-island sites; not a casual freedive target.
Snorkeling
Not a practical snorkeling target beyond surface sightseeing; the useful structure sits well below snorkel range.
Use the planner to scan this week, inspect today in local time, and understand how exposure shapes conditions at Boulder Garden.
Directional shelter context for incoming swell.
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
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Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Last Updated
Research Sources
Site summary for Boulder Garden; supports access, depth, and marine-life context.
Cape Brett current and boat-traffic context for the outer-island area.
Motukokako area context and large-fish planning note.
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