bay-of-islands.co.nz · Tourism
Published Oct 22, 2025Regional dive conditions, visibility, and operator support.
Dive Spot Guide•
Putahataha Island
Boat-access reef and cave dive in Maunganui Bay.
Local operator required
A local boat operator is the practical way to reach the site and handle the cave entrance safely.
Sheltered start, seaward-side cave, and a reef circuit that fits confident open-water divers.
About Putahataha Island
Putahataha Island is a boat-access reef-and-cave dive in Maunganui Bay with a sheltered start, a rocky reef circuit, and a seaward-side overhead feature. The appeal is the mix of kelp-covered ledges, a clear cave entrance, and dense fish life that keeps the site interesting without needing a complex profile. It suits divers who want a varied Bay of Islands day dive and are comfortable planning around an overhead section.
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Research Estimate At Putahataha Island
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 15m
AccessModerate entry effort
CoralSome damage
Aquatic LifeExceptional variety
FacilitiesGood facilities
Crowd / PopularityModerate
CurrentLight current
SurgeModerate surge
Where Is Putahataha Island?
This spotNearby spotsExplore nearby spots on the map
Community sourced coordinates.
Putahataha Island Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
10m - 25m
Depth Note
Reef begins around 10 m on the inward side and deepens to 18–25 m toward the seaward side while circumnavigating the island.
Best Season
Year-round, with calmer windows preferred.
Typical Conditions
Generally sheltered on the inside, with clearer water than many temperate sites and more movement around the cave entrance and seaward side.
Safety & Access At Putahataha Island
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Overhead environment
Safety Notes
Includes an underwater cavern; keep an overhead-environment plan, watch the cave entrance, and follow the local reserve briefing.
Access Restrictions
Boat access only, and the site sits in a rahui/reserve area. Follow operator briefing and local site rules.
Legal Notes
Respect the rahui/reserve status and any local no-take or access rules. Treat the cave as an overhead environment and stay within your training.
Local Intel For Putahataha Island
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Depth range runs roughly from 10 m to 25 m while following the reef around the island; the cavern is a main feature.
Freediving
Possible only in calm conditions and for very experienced freedivers. The cave section is better treated as a scuba objective than a breath-hold target.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is best limited to calm-day reef looks on the sheltered side. The cave and reserve setting make this a stronger dive site than a snorkel-only stop.
Wildlife at Putahataha Island
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At Putahataha Island
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At Putahataha Island
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility15m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
