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Paihia Dive guide covering Keyhole Cave access, surge, and common reef life.
Bay of Islands boat dive with boulders, kelp and rays
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Local site selection matters because the rear restriction and entrance behave very differently as seas build.
Key Hole is a Bay of Islands boat dive framed by the keyhole-shaped rock above the site. Below it, boulders, short walls, and kelp-filled crevices create a compact route with plenty of life tucked into the structure. Stingrays, moray eels, and other reef fish are the regular draw, while the rear restriction is only worth considering when the water is very calm. Treat it as a controlled, buoyancy-focused dive rather than a casual through-pass.
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
5m - 20m
Depth Note
Boulders and walls lie in 5–20 m of water.
Typical Conditions
Calm to moderate sea state suits it best. The site is more comfortable when the entrance is settled and the kelp is not moving hard.
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Safety Notes
Do not force the rear restriction when surge is running; the interior can go dark and the passage is not a practical through-route on ordinary days.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Suitable for scuba diving across 5–20 m, with boulders and wall structure offering varied terrain.
Use the planner to scan this week, inspect today in local time, and understand how exposure shapes conditions at Key Hole.
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.
No Dive Logs Yet
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Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Last Updated
Research Sources
Paihia Dive guide covering Keyhole Cave access, surge, and common reef life.
Bay of Islands marine-ecology article with visibility and reef-life context.
Official tourism overview for Northland and Bay of Islands diving context.
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