Diving in Southern New Zealand
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover Southern New Zealand's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of Southern New Zealand, province. This region features 52 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, Southern New Zealand has something for every underwater explorer. Browse detailed spot information, check current conditions from recent dive logs, and connect with the local diving community to make the most of your visit.
Regional Context
🏛️ Marine Hierarchy
🌍 Associated Countries
Countries in Southern New Zealand (1)
Popular Spots in Southern New Zealand (52)
4 mile reef
4 Mile Reef offers a shore entry that leads divers down a sandy and stony bottom, extending to depths greater than 30 meters. The site is characterized by good water clarity in the sandy areas, although some silt may be present at the drop-off. Divers can enjoy views of the snow-capped Ruapehu in the background before descending. Underwater, the site is home to Koura, as well as rainbow and brown trout. The navigation is straightforward, and the best diving conditions occur with winds less than 8 knots from an easterly direction. Facilities include parking, onsite toilets, changing rooms, and a grassy area for setup.
Acacia Bay
Acacia Bay is a suitable site for training divers, featuring notable cliff faces and a circular rock formation created by divers for navigation. The underwater terrain may become silted if disturbed, so maintaining good buoyancy control is essential. The area is home to various freshwater crayfish, as well as populations of rainbow and brown trout, alongside numerous small bottom-dwelling fish.
Allports Island
Allports Island is an uninhabited landmass that rises to 79 meters above sea level. The surrounding waters are deep, making it an ideal location for deep diving activities. The site accommodates divers of all experience levels and is frequently utilized for deep-dive training. In the shallower areas near the shore, divers can observe various anemones and fish. As divers descend, they will encounter unique tubeworm structures that create three-dimensional formations.
Aramoana Mole
Aramoana Mole features a man-made rock wall designed to prevent silting at the harbour entrance. The deepest areas reach approximately 30 meters, while most dives occur between 10 and 15 meters. As divers progress along the Mole, they will encounter increasing depths. The site is home to a diverse range of sponges in various shapes and colors, along with marine life such as slugs, snails, nudibranchs, and fish species including Moki, Trumpeter, Greenbone, and Red cod.
Barney’s Rock
Barney's Rock, situated on Panau Island, is accessible via a shore entry and is located approximately 15 minutes south on SH1 from Daves Diving Kaikoura. This site serves as an entry point to the Hikurangi Marine Reserve, with dive depths reaching up to 19 meters. The area is known for its population of New Zealand Fur Seals, and divers may also encounter Dusky Dolphins and juvenile whales. The underwater environment is rich with fish life and features dense kelp, providing habitat for various marine species, including crayfish.
Baxter’s Reef
Baxter’s Reef is a shore dive suitable for training and beginner divers. The inner section of the reef is generally sheltered from wind and swell, while the outer area is more exposed, featuring depths ranging from 8 to 16 meters. This site offers straightforward navigation along a clear reef structure. Divers can observe a variety of marine life, including heavy kelp and diverse plant species such as Bull Kelp, Sea Fans, and Brown Kelp.
Blue Cod Point
Blue Cod Point is a sheltered cove ideal for divers seeking a shallow experience. The site features a mooring point and offers a rocky wall that can be followed at depths of 8 to 10 meters for approximately 20 minutes. The area is home to various marine life, including mussels, which are found nearby due to aquaculture farms located just 100 meters away. Additionally, divers can observe tube worms and brittle stars, providing opportunities for macro photography.
Bridal Veil
Bridal Veil is a gently sloping dive site that begins at Bridal Veil beach and features a wall extending towards Copper Point. The site is generally sheltered, making it suitable for training in the shallower areas. The underwater landscape includes a sandy rocky reef with kelp and sporadic black coral trees. Above water, divers can enjoy scenic views of Bridal Veil, Fairy, and Sterling Falls, enhancing the overall experience.
Butterfly Wall
Butterfly Wall begins in a sheltered cove with a gently sloping stony sandy bottom that transitions into a rocky sandy reef. The dive site features a steep wall on both sides. The area is characterized by abundant kelp and large schools of butterfly perch, along with some wrasses. Small black coral can also be observed along the wall sections.
Cherry Island, Taupo
Cherry Island offers a drift dive characterized by strong currents and back eddies. It is essential to dive with someone familiar with the site to ensure a proper exit, as missing it can lead to complications. During the dive, divers can encounter a natural hot spring located approximately midway through the dive. The area is home to a variety of trout and koura, and the surface scenery is noted for its beauty. This site is suitable for scuba diving, free-diving, and snorkeling.
Cray’s Crack
Cray’s Crack is a marine reserve characterized by a rocky reef that descends at a 45-degree angle to a depth of approximately 18 meters, transitioning into sandy bottom. At around 20 meters, the site features a shelf before the seafloor drops steeply to depths reaching up to 80 meters in certain areas. The reef is notable for its rich black coral and abundant Ecklonia kelp. Marine life includes a high density of crayfish, jock stewart, wrasses, butterfly perch, and schooling tarakihi. Divers may also encounter dogsharks and carpet sharks in the area.
Dale Green
Dale Green is a diverse dive site characterized by its steep walls that descend to depths of 80 meters near the shore. The area is home to large black coral trees and a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and octopus. Divers can also observe wrasses, butterfly perch, marblefish, and numerous nudibranchs. Additionally, red coral colonies can be found in the overhangs, while yellow zooanthids add to the site's ecological richness.
Dale Point
Dale Point is a marine reserve characterized by a combination of wall diving and steep drop-offs, with sections of reef present. The site is notable for its large black coral formations and vibrant yellow zoanthids. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life including nudibranchs, octopuses, eagle rays, stingrays, and various shark species such as dog, school, and carpet sharks. Additionally, conger eels, stargazers, butterfly perches, wrasses, marble fish, and tarakihi are commonly observed in this area. The entry to the site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore its diverse underwater ecosystem.
Double Cove Marine Reserve
Double Cove Marine Reserve is situated in Queen Charlotte Sound, featuring depths ranging from 9 to 18 meters. This site is well-suited for beginner divers due to its sheltered conditions. Access to the water is via boat or a small jetty. The marine life here includes Blue Cod, Leather Jackets, Carpet Sharks, Stargazers, and Stingrays, with Blue Cod often approaching divers closely.
Five Mile Bay
Five Mile Bay offers a shore entry with a sandy bottom extending approximately 50 meters offshore, leading to a gentle slope that descends to depths greater than 27 meters. The site features good water clarity in the sandy area, although some silt may be present at the drop-off. It is relatively easy to navigate. However, the site is exposed to various wind directions, which can create choppy conditions during high winds. Optimal diving conditions occur with wind speeds below 8 knots and an easterly direction.
Fox Cove
Fox Cove is situated on the outer Fiord and features a rocky reef that transitions to a sandy bottom, reaching a maximum depth of approximately 20 meters, depending on the specific area within the cove. The site is exposed to north and northwest winds but offers shelter from southwesterly winds. Divers can observe a variety of colorful kelp and coastal fish species, along with scenic views of the northern outer coastline.
Get Wet Waikato
Get Wet Waikato features a heated indoor diving pool that is three meters deep and approximately nine meters in length. The facility includes changing rooms and showers for convenience. This site is suitable for training and practice, providing a controlled environment for divers.
Greenstone Beach
Greenstone Beach presents a rocky shoreline that begins at a depth of 5 meters, leading to a sloping rocky reef with a 45-degree incline. The area is characterized by large boulders scattered along the coast. Divers can explore a rocky reef populated with kelp and a variety of marine life, including octopus, wrasses, butterfly perch, Jasons nudibranch, marblefish, and eels. Encounters with school sharks and dogsharks are also possible. Additionally, small black coral can be found in this environment.
Greenstone Point
Greenstone Point is a wall dive located on the southern side of Milford Sound, reaching depths of up to 90 meters, making it suitable for deep and technical diving profiles. The site features black coral trees and red coral found in cracks and overhangs, along with walls adorned with yellow zoanthids. Divers should be prepared for the conditions typical of deep dives.
Harrison Cove
Harrison Cove features a dive site that begins on a shallow gravel bottom, transitioning to a muddy sandy slope at a 45-degree angle. The area includes several rock outcrops, some of which are home to black coral. This site is known for its diverse marine life, including dogsharks, seven gill sharks, spiny seadragons, butterfly perch, and jock stewarts. The presence of black coral adds to the underwater landscape.
Haylee’s hideout
Haylee’s Hideout is located near Jimmy Armers Beach on the northern side of the Peninsula. The dive site is accessible via a shore entry and is just a short swim of 2-3 minutes from the beach. The area features a submerged pile of rocks that creates various channels, providing habitat for cold water sponges, kelp, and native New Zealand anemones. This diverse environment supports a range of marine life, both micro and macro, making it an interesting site for exploration.
Kinloch
Kinloch is located in Lake Taupo and serves as a suitable site for training and those interested in lake diving. The underwater terrain begins at approximately 7 meters and descends to depths exceeding 20 meters. Water temperatures are typically cold but may rise during the summer months. Divers can expect to encounter species such as trout and freshwater crayfish. It is important to remain aware of boat traffic in the vicinity and to utilize a dive float for safety.
Koi Wreck
The Koi Wreck is a 32-meter long vessel that was constructed in Scotland in 1912 and sank in 1940. Initially serving as a passenger ship between Motueka and Nelson, it was later repurposed as a coal transport vessel. The wreck is located at a depth of 12 meters, making it accessible for divers interested in macro photography. Marine life commonly observed around the wreck includes Nudibranchs, Decorator crabs, Leather jackets, Blue cod, Spotties, Goatfish, Blue Mao Mao, Seahorses, and a variety of invertebrates.
Lee Breakwater
Lee Breakwater, located in Port Taranaki, is a shore dive site that provides access to a diverse range of marine life. The site is easily reachable from the port boat ramp car park. Divers can expect to encounter various species including seahorses, nudibranchs, john dory, korehu, cod, damsels, and kingfish. Additionally, there are opportunities to catch rock lobsters in the area, making it a unique spot for both diving and fishing.
Lochmara
Lochmara features a local reef conservation initiative aimed at restoring kelp ecosystems, alongside an underwater observatory that showcases a variety of fish species typical of the Inner Sound. During surface intervals, divers can engage with the Lochmara Lodge's bush and wildlife conservation efforts. Common marine life in the area includes Leather Jackets, Carpet Sharks, Blue Cod, Stingrays, Mullet, Crayfish, and Blennies. A notable resident is a conger eel often found under a rock that resembles a table.
Marakura Bay
Marakura Bay features a stony shoreline located at the southeastern end of Te Anau township. This site is accessible via a shore entry and has a gentle slope that quickly transitions to a steep drop-off. Divers can reach depths of 20 meters with only a short swim from the shore. The underwater environment includes scattered small Koura, while the silty bottom supports limited marine life, primarily consisting of small freshwater sponges.
Melville Cove
Melville Cove is a sheltered bay located in Port Gore, making it suitable for beginner divers and training sessions. The site features a sandy bottom with a mooring line positioned centrally, reaching a depth of approximately 6 meters at the base of the line. This location is also favorable for night diving. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life typical of the Marlborough Sounds, including blue cod, hermit crabs, carpet sharks, stingrays, starfish, kina, and spotties.
MV Mikhail Lermontov, wreck
The MV Mikhail Lermontov is a significant wreck dive located in a sheltered bay at the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island. This cruise ship sank in 1986 under unclear circumstances and has since transformed into an artificial reef. The wreck is accessible by boat and offers a diverse array of marine life, including Moki, Kingfish, Crayfish, Blue Mao Mao, Terakihi, Nudibranchs, and Octopus. The site accommodates divers of varying experience levels, from beginners to those with technical diving skills.
Nine Pins
Nine Pins consists of a group of rocks that are visible above the water's surface, located directly offshore from The Pier Hotel. Divers can access the site by launching from the ramp at The Pier Hotel during high tide. This area is marked as the northern boundary of the local Rahui. The rocky environment is rich in kelp and provides a habitat for various marine species, including Moki, Butterfish, Blue Cod, Scorpionfish, Crayfish, and triggerfish. Additionally, Dusky Dolphins are known to frequent this region.
Old Wharf
Old Wharf is located approximately 8 minutes from Daves Diving Kaikoura, behind the Fyffe House. Divers enter the water from an old, unused boat ramp. Caution is advised as boats may launch from the beach. A yellow 'No Fishing' buoy serves as a reference point for surface swimming. The site features a rocky reef that supports a variety of marine life, including the native Blue Moki, common reef octopus, and abundant crayfish.
Paia Point
Paia Point is located adjacent to the Hikurangi Marine Reserve and is visible from the Paia Point Campground along State Highway 1. The site features two sets of rocky reefs and offers a challenging shore entry. Divers should prepare for a surface swim that can take approximately 20 minutes. This area is rich in marine life, including a variety of fish species, as well as Fur Seals and Dusky Dolphins. It is also known for its abundance of Crayfish.
Penguin Cove
Penguin Cove is characterized by a shallow shelf that transitions into a rocky reef, sloping down at a 45-degree angle towards deeper waters. The site is notable for its large black coral trees, which are abundant along the points. The cove features steep walls on both sides, providing opportunities for wall diving. Marine life includes a variety of species such as yellow zooanthids, kelp, tube anemones, nudibranchs, brittle stars, snake stars, dogsharks, rays, eels, octopus, and a significant population of crayfish.
Peter’s Rock (Cone Rock)
Peter's Rock, also known as Cone Rock, is a pinnacle located approximately three minutes by boat from Baxter's Reef in South Bay. The dive site features depths that range from 10 meters to 25 meters. It provides habitats for local Koura and various native coastal fish species. Additionally, dolphins are frequently observed at the surface in this area.
Post Office Rock
Post Office Rock features a rocky reef characterized by vibrant kelp and a gentle slope leading to a sandy bottom at a maximum depth of approximately 25 meters. The area is populated with a variety of reef fish, including wrasses, marblefish, tarakihi, dogharks, butterfly perch, and pufferfish. Divers may also encounter octopus and the occasional seven gill shark in this biodiverse environment.
Promenade Point
Promenade Point is located at Lake Taharoa, approximately 1.5 hours from Whangarei, north of Dargaville. This site provides easy shore access to both shallow areas, with depths less than 3 meters, and deeper drop-offs starting at 5 meters. Facilities include parking and a toilet. The lake is home to fresh water crayfish and native bullies, along with introduced trout species.
Rhino Horn
Rhino Horn is located in the second bay on the eastern side of the Kaikoura Peninsula, accessible from South Bay Marina. The site is named after a prominent hill in the bay that resembles a rhino horn. The underwater landscape features a rocky sea floor interspersed with kelp, providing numerous dens and surfaces that support a variety of coastal marine life. Divers can expect to encounter native fish species such as Blue Cod, Blue Moki, Red Moki, Butterfish, and Leather Jackets. Additionally, Koura can be found hiding in the dens, which are often covered in kelp and sponges.
Saint Kilda’s Rocks
Saint Kilda's Rocks is accessible via a short 3-minute boat ride from Jimmy Armers Beach. This site is situated within a Rahui, which helps protect the marine environment. Divers can explore a coastal kelp habitat that is rich in fish life, providing opportunities to observe various marine species in their natural setting.
Seal Colony
Seal Colony is located on the rocky peninsula of Kaikoura, requiring a challenging shore entry. Divers can navigate through a kelp forest and explore various rock formations, including swim-throughs and small caves. The site offers multiple entry and exit points, allowing for repeated visits. However, divers should be cautious of surge and swell conditions, which can complicate both entry and exit. The area is home to a variety of cold water fish species, such as Wrasse, Cod, Moki, butterfish, Crayfish, Eels, and Nudibranchs. Occasionally, divers may encounter local seals during their dive.
Seal Rock / Waikaranga
Seal Rock, located at Waikaranga, offers a dive experience suitable for divers of all levels. The dive begins in shallow waters near the rocks and descends to depths exceeding 30 meters towards the south. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including blue cod, rock lobster, spotted demoiselle, snapper, kingfish, moki, and local seals that are known to be friendly.
Sharks Tooth Kaikoura
Sharks Tooth Kaikoura is located off the eastern coast of the peninsula, accessible from the shore. The site is named for a prominent rock formation resembling a shark's tooth, situated north of The South Bay Marina, also referred to as Whalers Bay. This dive site showcases a diverse array of marine life typical of Kaikoura, including Moki, Butters, Octopus, Cod, Kingfish, Wrasse, Scorpionfish, Triggerfish, and seals. Divers may also encounter Crayfish, Kina, and potentially Dusky Dolphins in the area.
Sinbad Gully
Sinbad Gully is an inner Fiord dive characterized by steep walls and some reef structures. The site is home to various marine life, including black coral trees, tube anemones, wrasses, and perches. Divers may encounter seven gill sharks and dogsharks. The presence of a thicker freshwater layer is typical in this area, which can influence the underwater environment. The dive site is accessed from the shore.
South Bay Kaikoura
South Bay Kaikoura features a unique entry point shaped like a 'v', created by historical whaling activities. This sheltered area is ideal for spearfishing and exploration, with depths reaching up to 14 meters during high tide. The bay is home to a variety of native coastal fish, including the local favorite, Butterfish. Additionally, stingrays can often be found resting among the rocks, while orcas are known to frequent the area.
Sunshine Bay
Sunshine Bay is situated at the Lake Whakatipu location, featuring a fault line with steep terraced cliffs that descend to depths beyond typical diving limits. The geological structure offers an intriguing freshwater wall dive experience. Divers may encounter various freshwater sponges along the walls, as well as freshwater mussels on the lake bed. The area is home to native freshwater species, including Tripplefins, Trout, and Long Finned Eels, which can often be spotted during dives.
Taharoa Domain (Kai Iwi Lakes)
Taharoa Domain, located at the eastern end of the lake, features a shallow entry point of approximately 0.5 meters that quickly descends to depths of 10 meters, eventually sloping down to over 30 meters. The substrate consists of fine white sand that transitions to a siltier composition as depth increases. The lake is home to various freshwater species including koura (freshwater crayfish), brown trout, rainbow trout, and perch. Notably, there is no defined weed line present in this area.
The Sisters
The Sisters consists of two prominent rocks located northeast of Barney's Rock, situated on the outer edge of the Hikurangi Marine Reserve. Access to the site requires a boat journey of approximately 15-20 minutes south from South Bay Marina. The area is characterized by the nearby Kaikoura Trench, which contributes to a rich marine ecosystem. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including Nudibranchs, seals, crayfish, native coastal fish species, and Dusky dolphins.
The Triangle
The Triangle is an inner Fiord dive site characterized by a combination of rocky shorelines and sandy bottoms, alongside steep wall diving. A notable feature is a steep drop-off that hosts one of the largest black coral trees in the Fiord, located at a depth of approximately 18 meters, which has several carpet shark eggs attached. Divers can expect a thick layer of surface freshwater, resulting in darker underwater conditions. Marine life includes spiny seadragons, seven gill sharks, dogsharks, variable nudibranchs, wellington nudibranchs, and numerous tube anemones.
Trade Me Reef
Trade Me Reef is accessible from the shore and is marked by a cardinal boating marker on the rock. Divers can anchor in a sheltered inlet near the main island at a depth of approximately 6 meters. A brief swim towards the northwest leads to the reef, which descends to about 11 meters. The area features a gap in the reef that opens to a sandy bottom. Divers can explore numerous swim-throughs and observe large schools of fish, including kingfish. Additionally, the sandy areas are home to many octopus dens.
Walk the Dog Wall
Walk the Dog Wall is an advanced wall dive characterized by a steep cliff that descends to depths of at least 80 meters in certain areas. The site is notable for its large populations of butterfly perch and features prominent black and red corals, particularly in overhangs. Divers may also encounter dogsharks and tube anemones situated on ledges throughout the dive.
Whalers Bay Kaikoura
Whalers Bay is located on the eastern side of the Kaikoura peninsula, just a short 10-minute boat ride from South Bay Marina. The dive site features a depth range from 6 meters to 30 meters. The underwater landscape includes sandy channels and rocks covered in kelp, creating a habitat for various native fish species. Additionally, this area serves as a sheltered resting spot for New Zealand Fur Seals.
Wharewaka Point
Wharewaka Point offers a convenient shore entry with a sandy and stony bottom that extends to depths greater than 30 meters. The site is characterized by generally good water clarity in the sandy areas, although some silt can be found at the drop-off. Navigation is straightforward, making it accessible for divers. Optimal diving conditions occur with wind speeds below 8 knots, particularly when the wind is from an easterly direction. Facilities at the site include ample parking, onsite toilets, changing rooms, and a grassy area for setup, along with BBQ facilities.
Wiakawa Swim Spot
Wiakawa Swim Spot is a sheltered location primarily utilized when weather conditions hinder diving at other sites. The area is marked by boating exclusion buoys, enhancing safety for swimmers and snorkelers. Under the rocks surrounding the floating swim platform, divers can observe various small blennies and starfish, providing interesting marine life encounters.
Wood Group Training Center
The Wood Group Training Center is an indoor facility located in New Plymouth, featuring a pool utilized for various training programs in the marine sector. This site is primarily designated for SCUBA and freediving training. As an indoor pool, it does not host any natural flora or fauna. The environment is often busy with multiple groups and events taking place simultaneously.