HMNZS Moa (Wreck)

Type:

Scuba Diving

Entry:⚓Boat Entry

Difficulty:Intermediate

Tags:

DeepWreck

About This Dive Spot

A WWII-era New Zealand Navy minesweeper wreck that was sunk by Japanese aircraft on 7 April 1943 while refuelling in Tulagi Harbour, resulting in the loss of five crew. The harbour environment can have challenging visibility due to nearby estuaries and mudflats. The wreck hosts schools of juvenile trevally along with mangrove jacks and batfish, and lionfish are common throughout the structure.

Planning details

Reported depth and seasonality.

Typical conditions

Visibility can be reduced due to estuaries and mudflats in the harbour.

Safety & access

Hazards, restrictions, and required precautions.

Hazards

Low visibilityOverhead environment

Safety notes

Visibility can be challenging in the harbour; exercise caution when moving through enclosed areas of the wreck.

Local intel

Community notes to help plan your visit.

Access, coral, life, crowds, and facilities.

Aquatic Life

Schools of juvenile trevally are present along with mangrove jacks, batfish, and abundant lionfish on the wreck.

Dive Spot Log Averages

Average conditions based on logged dives & visits

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Dive Conditions Planner

Current snapshot, today hourly conditions, and seven-day planning data.

Current snapshot

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Recent Logged Visits

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Spots Near HMNZS Moa (Wreck)

📍 0.6 km

Base 1 Muck Site

Not Set

This muck dive sits at the northern end of a harbour bay that served as a World War II repair area for US combat engineers. The bottom is scattered with wartime debris, including landing craft, munitions, small cargo ships, fishing boats, and aircraft parts. It’s a critter-rich environment with patches of large plate corals, and juvenile sweetlips are commonly seen.

📍 1.3 km

Raiders / F4F Wildcat (Wreck)

Not Set

This site features a US F4F Wildcat aircraft wreck resting at 42 m. Discovered in 2015, the plane is largely intact aside from a missing propeller, with the cockpit area, instruments, and gun sights still in place. Conditions can be silty, and timing the dive for slack or an incoming tide is preferred. Fish life commonly seen around the wreck includes snapper, trevally, and sweetlips.

📍 3.0 km

PBY Catalina Seaplane (Wreck)

Not Set

An upright PBY Catalina seaplane wreck rests on the side of a reef, with the cockpit around 26 m and the tail around 33 m. The airframe is largely intact, though the engines have detached and sit on the seafloor beside the wreck; munitions and machine guns are still present. The wreck is covered in soft corals with some hard coral growth, and attracts schooling reef fish and smaller critters around the structure.

📍 3.4 km

USS Kanawa (Wreck)

Not Set

A 476-foot fleet oiler and freighter that sank on 7 April 1943 after an attack by Japanese aircraft. The wreck lies upright on a sandy seabed, with the bow around 40 m and the stern descending to about 55 m. It attracts large schools of fish around the structure.

📍 3.4 km

Balydon Shoals

Not Set

Balydon Shoals is a long, shallow reef about 400 m in length with a top around 18 m. The reef top is described as fairly flat and relatively barren, influenced by strong currents running across it. On the southwest side, a striking wall drops off and serves as a focal point where fish gather in the water column, making the site well-suited to drifting dives.

📍 4.7 km

Kawanashi “Mavis“ Seaplane # 1 (Wreck)

Not Set

An intact Japanese seaplane wreck that sits upright on a very silty bottom in the bay. The aircraft is largely complete, with the starboard wing missing. This is a wreck dive where marine life such as nudibranchs, corals, lionfish, snapper, and trevally can be found, but visibility can be challenging.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best entry point at HMNZS Moa (Wreck)?

Entry at HMNZS Moa (Wreck) 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 HMNZS Moa (Wreck)?

Optimal conditions at HMNZS Moa (Wreck) 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 HMNZS Moa (Wreck)?

Depth and visibility information for HMNZS Moa (Wreck) 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 HMNZS Moa (Wreck)?

When diving HMNZS Moa (Wreck), 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.