Planning standards that work well in Bay of Islands:

Be prepared for boat diving as the default. Practice controlled entries and surface procedures.
Carry an SMB and know how to deploy it, since currents and boat traffic can separate groups.
Treat cave/arch features as conditions-dependent. If surge is present, stay outside overhead spaces.
Expect water temperatures from about 15°C in winter to 22°C in late summer. Cold stress reduces decision-making quality; dress warmly for surface intervals.
If marine mammals appear, follow the sanctuary requirement: no one may remain in the water within 300 m of any marine mammal.

For any suspected decompression illness or serious dive injury:

Call 111 (New Zealand emergency number) for urgent medical help.
Contact the Diver Emergency Service (DES) for diving-specific medical coordination.

Planning standards that work well in Bay of Islands:

Be prepared for boat diving as the default. Practice controlled entries and surface procedures.
Carry an SMB and know how to deploy it, since currents and boat traffic can separate groups.
Treat cave/arch features as conditions-dependent. If surge is present, stay outside overhead spaces.
Expect water temperatures from about 15°C in winter to 22°C in late summer. Cold stress reduces decision-making quality; dress warmly for surface intervals.
If marine mammals appear, follow the sanctuary requirement: no one may remain in the water within 300 m of any marine mammal.

For any suspected decompression illness or serious dive injury:

Call 111 (New Zealand emergency number) for urgent medical help.
Contact the Diver Emergency Service (DES) for diving-specific medical coordination.

In the Te Pewhairangi Marine Mammal Sanctuary, no person may be in the water within 300 m of any marine mammal. Plan for delayed entries or site changes if dolphins arrive.

Cape Brett and outer islands can be exposed. Winter fronts can bring winds around 30 km/h+ and bigger swells, making some sites unsuitable.

Some pinnacles and channels can run current, especially on spring tides. Carry an SMB and stay close to your group.

Caves, arches, and swim-throughs can surge. Only enter overhead features if you have good buoyancy, a torch, and conditions that keep the feature calm.

Conservation priorities that directly affect visitors:

Te Pewhairangi (Bay of Islands) Marine Mammal Sanctuary rules are strict. Your boat may change sites to avoid disrupting dolphins.
Respect rahui and other local protection measures. Do not take shells or marine life, and avoid touching reef structure.
Use reef-safe sunscreen and secure all gear so nothing falls overboard.
Avoid anchoring in restricted bays and use established moorings when provided.

Good operators in the region will explain sanctuary boundaries, wildlife etiquette, and any local restrictions before entry.

Contact	Rôle	Téléphone	Disponibilité
New Zealand Emergency	Police, Fire, Ambulance	111	24/7
Diver Emergency Service (DES)	Diving medical hotline and treatment coordination	0800 4 337 111	24/7
Healthline	Free nurse triage and medical advice	0800 611 116	24/7
Slark Hyperbaric Unit (Waitemata, Auckland)	Hyperbaric medicine unit (referral-based; use DES for emergencies)	(09) 4872213	Contact for referrals; emergencies via DES/111

Bay of Islands

Sécurité et conservation

Principaux risques

Sécurité plongée

Sécurité et conservation

Principaux risques

Sécurité plongée

Sécurité snorkeling et apnée

Vie marine et zones protégées

Contacts d'urgence