Cray’s Crack

Type:

Scuba DivingFreediving

Entry:Unknown

Difficulty:Advanced

Tags:

Reef

About This Dive Spot

This marine reserve site features a rocky reef that slopes down at roughly 45 degrees to about 18 m before transitioning to sand. The terrain then develops into a steeper wall, with an initial seafloor shelf around 20 m and sections that drop away to roughly 80 m. The reef is noted for black coral and Ecklonia kelp, with abundant crayfish and a variety of reef fish including wrasses, butterfly perch, and schooling tarakihi. Dogsharks and carpet sharks are often seen.

Planning details

Reported depth and seasonality.

Reported depth

18m - 80m

Depth note

Rocky reef slopes to about 18 m before turning to sand; a shelf occurs around 20 m and parts of the wall drop to roughly 80 m.

Safety & access

Hazards, restrictions, and required precautions.

Safety notes

Includes wall sections that drop to around 80 m in places; depth control and appropriate gas planning are important.

Access restrictions

Marine reserve.

Local intel

Community notes to help plan your visit.

Tailored notes for different activities.

Scuba

Scuba divers can follow the reef slope to ~18 m and explore the shelf near 20 m, with deeper wall sections reaching to about 80 m.

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Spots Near Cray’s Crack

📍 0.9 km

Butterfly Wall

Not Set

This site begins in a sheltered cove with a gently sloping stony-sandy bottom that transitions to a rocky sandy reef, then becomes a steep wall dive on both sides. The area is dominated by kelp, with large schools of butterfly perch and some wrasses. Small black coral can be found on the wall sections.

📍 1.2 km

Penguin Cove

Not Set

A marine reserve dive that begins on a shallow shelf before transitioning into a rocky reef that drops away at a steep angle into deeper water. The points on either side of the cove form steep wall-style dives. The site is known for prominent black coral trees and varied reef life including kelp and colorful encrusting growth.

📍 1.7 km

Bridal Veil

🏖️

Bridal Veil is a gently sloping dive that begins from a beach and follows a wall that runs out toward a point. The shallow area is generally sheltered and commonly used as a training site. Underwater terrain is a sandy and rocky reef with kelp and occasional small black coral trees, set within a scenic fiord environment.

📍 1.9 km

Dale Point

Not Set

This marine reserve site features a wall dive with steep drop-offs alongside sections of reef. The underwater scenery includes abundant large black coral and yellow zoanthids, with varied fish life. Divers may also encounter invertebrates such as nudibranchs and octopus, along with rays, sharks, and eels.

📍 2.7 km

Walk the Dog Wall

Not Set

An extreme wall dive with a towering cliff overhead and sections dropping to at least 80 m. The site is characterized by large black coral, with some red coral in overhangs. Marine life highlights include large schools of butterfly perch, dogsharks, and tube anemones on ledges.

📍 3.4 km

Dale Green

🏖️

Dale Green is a varied reef site with steep wall sections close to shore. The walls drop quickly to around 80 m, with overhangs that hold red coral colonies. The site is known for large black coral trees with abundant fish life around them, along with sightings of sharks and rays. Marine life also includes octopus, wrasses, butterfly perch, marblefish, nudibranchs, and yellow zoanthids.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best entry point at Cray’s Crack?

Entry at Cray’s Crack is detailed in the spot description above. Look for specific landmarks, access paths, and any tide or condition requirements. Local divers often share updated entry tips in their dive logs.

What conditions are best for diving Cray’s Crack?

Optimal conditions at Cray’s Crack depend on several factors including tide, wind, and season. Check recent dive logs for current condition reports and patterns. Generally, calmer seas and high tide provide better visibility and easier entry.

What is the maximum depth and typical visibility at Cray’s Crack?

Depth and visibility information for Cray’s Crack can be found in the spot details and recent dive logs. Conditions can vary significantly based on weather, tide, and season. Always plan your dive according to current conditions and your certification level.

Are there any safety considerations or local etiquette at Cray’s Crack?

When diving Cray’s Crack, respect local regulations, marine life, and other water users. Be aware of any specific hazards like currents or boat traffic mentioned in the spot description. Follow Leave No Trace principles and local diving etiquette.