Stewart Island or Rakiura is a remote, quiet and crystal clear diving paradise famous for its tall bladder kelp forest.

Stewart Island or Rakiura, nicknamed the land of the glowing skies, is one of New Zealand's easiest getaways. It is a brilliant destination for its nature, wildlife, remoteness and gorgeous coastline. Almost the entire island has been declared a National Park offering exceptional green rainforest, sand dunes, swamps, wetlands and granite pinnacles such as Gog and Magog, all well worth a visit. Hiking, tramping, bird watching, fishing, diving and hunting are several of the more popular outdoor activities. Multiple day tours are easily booked and tramping from hut to hut around the island is a great experience and perfect way of enjoying this paradise.

Diving tours to Stewart Island can be booked from Bluff and Invercargill at the southern tip of New Zealand's south island or at Oban itself, which is just an hour ferry drive away. A warm current coming from the Australian Great Barrier Reef creates water temperatures ranging from seven degrees in winter to 14 degrees Celsius in summer, making it slightly warmer than other dive destination in the south of New Zealand. Although the water is still cold, some positive things are its rich and diverse marine life and better visibilities which can extend more than fifty meter. The Island has one of the richest environments of New Zealand above as well as below the surface. You can spot penguins, kiwis, dolphins, seals, sea lions, parakeets, parrots, seabirds but also brilliant tall bladder kelp and cod. Its white sandy bottom and under water forest is home to many different species of fish. Stewart Island is a remote island and a must do for scuba divers, whether you visit Halfmoon Bay, Port Adventure, Port Pegasus or even more remote island.

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Diveshop

Southern Aqua Adventures

www.southernaqua.co.nz www.tawakidive.co.nz/ 03 2184774 03 2184773

22 Tay Street 9810 Invercargill

Southern Aqua Adventures offers day trips in Milford Sound, that include 2 dives, snorkeling and sightseeing. Plus overnight charters around Stewart Island with diving, fishing, kayaking and swimming with seals. For all your diving needs come along to Hamills Adventure Store in Invercargill

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The best dive sites and top diving locations in Stewart Island rated by divers since last year.

1. Rated 3.0, 1 ratingsLeask Bay