OHINAU ISLAND

Type:

Scuba Diving

Entry:⚓Boat Entry

Difficulty:Intermediate

Tags:

Reef

About This Dive Spot

Ohinau Island, part of the Mercury Island group off the Coromandel Peninsula, is described as offering excellent diving around much of the island. Divers can expect abundant fish life throughout the area, with particular caution advised at the island’s southern tip where mid-water currents can become intense.

Safety & access

Hazards, restrictions, and required precautions.

Hazards

Strong current

Safety notes

Be cautious of potentially intense mid-water currents around the southern tip of the island.

Local intel

Community notes to help plan your visit.

Access, coral, life, crowds, and facilities.

Aquatic Life

An abundance of fish life is reported around the island.

Dive Spot Log Averages

Average conditions based on logged dives & visits

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Dive Conditions Planner

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Spots Near OHINAU ISLAND

📍 1.3 km

Little Ohinau

Not Set

Little Ohinau has two main dive areas: Little O Bay and Turtle Cove. Turtle Cove is described as better suited to experienced divers due to current along the outer edges. The site features a steep reef with a prominent weed edge that suits both divers and freedivers. Fish life commonly includes kingfish and porae, with boar fish seen occasionally.

📍 3.5 km

Black Rocks Lagoon

Not Set

Black Rocks Lagoon offers sheltered diving inside a lagoon with a shallow bay, abundant fish, and kelp along the edges. Outside the lagoon, an outer reef system features large pinnacles and gullies suitable for swimming through. The outer reef is a deeper, more exposed area that can be affected by wind, swell, and current. Fish life is typical, though parts of the lagoon interior are described as becoming more barren due to kina.

📍 4.6 km

THE MAORI LADY

Not Set

The Maori Lady is an island dive area with three distinct dive sites around the island. The island can provide shelter in most weather, with each site offering a different experience. Underwater, the area features typical New Zealand reef terrain with sandy bottoms, reef structure, and weed edges.

📍 6.6 km

HUMBUG BAY

Not Set

A large bay with multiple dive areas featuring boulder fields and rocky outcrops. There are underwater caves near Devil’s Point and, on the far eastern side of the bay, a three-tier drop-off onto rocky reef. The seabed is mainly boulders with small sandy patches, and kelp forest is present with a light silt cover. It is described as a good all-round site with good fish life.

📍 6.8 km

Devils Point

Not Set

A deep dive site with an outer pin that drops beyond 30 m and can carry current. Closer to the middle pin, the bottom rises to about 5–8 m, creating a shallower area suitable for safety stops. The area is predominantly boulders and rocky terrain, with deep cracks, holes, and a couple of caves, plus small kelp outcrops. Fish life is described as abundant, with sightings of kingfish and dolphins common.

📍 7.9 km

Matapaua Bay

🏖️

A sandy bay with a central sand patch and shallow reefs on both sides, transitioning into a rocky reef covered in typical New Zealand kelp. Conditions can become silty, with visibility commonly reduced after rainfall. Often used as an easy dive suitable for beginners and entry-level training, with calmer exploration along the shallow reef edges when conditions allow.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best entry point at OHINAU ISLAND?

Entry at OHINAU ISLAND 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 OHINAU ISLAND?

Optimal conditions at OHINAU ISLAND 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 OHINAU ISLAND?

Depth and visibility information for OHINAU ISLAND 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 OHINAU ISLAND?

When diving OHINAU ISLAND, 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.