A list of the best rated scuba dive sites in New Zealand.

South Sunk Rock

South Sunk Rock, although well charted, takes a few by surprise and has the remains of a ship lying at the base on the South end. It breaks the surface at spring low tide and drops off to 28-30m to the sand, so is more suitable for the experienced diver. South Sunk is well known to be one of the top dives in the area with generally clear water. It is abundant with fish life, which are attracted to the large anemone covered green-lipped mussels near the top. Huge marble fish, hiwihiwi, silver dr...

Gemstone Bay

The Department of Conservation has a marked snorkel trail in the bay, with the diving and snorkeling out by the third marker buoy being remarkable. The large snappers and oversized crayfish permanently live in 5-8m of water. The site is well within the reserve boundaries so the fish are not scared of divers. Stingrays and large eagle rays are common in the summer months in the shallow water. It is the best snorkeling site inside the reserve with easy access by foot along the Cathedral Cove Trail...

HMNZS Wellington (F69)

The frigate HMNZS Wellington was scuttled November 13th 2005, and was sitting upright in 21 meters of water, East of Tapu Te Ranga Island. Today you will find the frigate in three sections, which results in 2 separate exciting dives. The visibility ranges from one meter to 15 meters, with an average of about eight meters. Boats of all sizes surrounded the former HMNZS Wellington (F69) a Batch Leander Class frigate as it sunk to her resting place off the coast if Island Bay in Wellington, to bec...

White Island, Whakaari

There are very few places you can dive a live volcano, but White Island, which has been steaming away for centuries, is something quite unique. Climb to the crater edge of this active volcano in the interval between diving with abundant varieties of fish life including huge Kingfish, Stingrays, Moray Eels and massive schools of Blue Maomao, along with some of the biggest crayfish. Diadema urchins are almost unique to White Island and masses of these can be seen on a pinnacle dive known as Diadem...

Tie-Dye Archway

The fantastic dive Tie Dye Arch is situated at the pinnacles, some 8kms from the main poor knights group. It is very exposed and is only accessible in flat, calm conditions. The name derives from the colourful patterns of sponges and anemones on the walls of the arch. Stingrays are common here and sometimes dozens of them cruise the area. There is some very interesting topography here with a brilliant profusion of fish life. The depth close in to the arch is no deeper than 20 metres, so it is su...

HMNZS Canterbury

The Canterbury lies fully intact and up right, still a new Wreck sunk in Deep Water Cove on 03/11/07,Great for all levels for no penetration to full penetration, Uppers deck are great for the fish life, lower decks and engine rooms are great for the more adventurous explorer. Common fish found on the wreck, Leather Jackets, Snapper, Kingfish, John Dory, Varieties of Nudibrancs, Blue Maomao....

Koi Wreck

The Koi was built in Scotland in 1906, it was twin screw steamer or 53 net register tons. The wreck is 30 meters long with a beam of 4.9 meters. She was used as a passenger ferry in and around the Motueka area. The Koi sunk in Picton harbor on March the 10th 1940 and was raised, towed across the Sound and sunk off a point between Torea Point and Double Cove on the 5th of May 1940, in a depth of 12 meters. Since then the Koi has become encrusted with invertebrate live and is home to Sea Horses, B...

Rangitoto Wreck

The Rangitoto struck a reef off Cape Jackson, New Zealand on November 30th 1873, in much the same area as the Lermontov. She was carrying a large number of passengers from Nelson to Wellington, along with a cargo of mail and Hennessey’s brandy. The Master managed to beach the Rangitoto on the eastern side of Cape Jackson and all passengers managed to make it safely off the ship. The Rangitoto was an iron steamer and her boiler, propeller and other remains make an interesting dive. The wrec...

Barren Archway

Barren arch belies its name, which was intended to discourage divers. In fact it is a very rich area. The inner faces of the archway are thick with invertebrates. The bottom of the archway is of medium depth. It is a pleasant spot with clouds of demoiselles, pink and blue maomao and the occasional snapper passing through. Giant salp are seen here between november and february....

Great Barrier Island

Great Barrier Island or Motu Aotea, meaning island of the white clouds, often shortened the Barrier, is the fourth largest island of New Zealand. It is a beautiful gem and world renowned paradise for tourists around the globe. The main settlements are Tryphena, Claris, Whangaparapara and Port Fitzroy in total less than one thousand permanent inhabitants. There are several excellent hikes and walking trails to its highest point Mount Hobson or Hirakimata. The hills are great for mountain biking, ...