Explore Kaikoura

Found on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, is Kaikoura. Midway between Christchurch and Wellington, one of the most famous things about Kaikoura is its outstanding natural beauty. Looking out at the stunning South Pacific, it is a popular place for whale and dolphin watching.

Diving centres and diving resorts are thin on the ground in Kaikoura, though you won’t struggle to find someone to take you out for a dive. Diving courses are possible here but it is more common to undertake specialties such as drysuit diving, rather than introduction dives. 

Highlights of diving in Kaikoura include the chance to dive with the curious and rambunctious fur seals, as well as exploring the undulating kelp forests.

Upcoming Events

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Dave’s Diving Kaikoura

React Right - Course Combination (FA, CPR, AED, O2)

14 Nov 2025

React Right is SSI’s emergency first response course and provides you with the training and knowledge you need to act as a first responder in a medical emergency. In this flexible dive program, you can choose which subjects you want to learn about, including primary assessment, first aid, CPR and primary stabilization techniques. You can also learn about oxygen administration in diving emergencies and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) basics. Using a combination of academic sessions and practical training scenarios, this program will give you the tools and confidence you need for emergency response. By the time you are certified, you will be able to act as an emergency first responder, provide first aid and CPR, administer oxygen and provide AED support in a medical emergency. Earn your SSI React Right specialty certification. Get started today!

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★★ Barney’s Rock

Barney’s Rock (Panau Island) is located 15min south on SH1 From Daves Diving Kaikoura. This is the gateway to the Hikurangi Marine Reserve and diving around the island you reach depths of 19m.

61
Logs
23
Divers
16.0 m
⌀ Depth
6.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Sharks Tooth Kaikoura

Off the east coast of the peninsula, launch from The South Bay Marina. The point that resembles a Sharks Tooth the bays north from there. Also known as Whalers Bay.

248
Logs
58
Divers
18.0 m
⌀ Depth
6.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ South Bay Kaikoura

Great bay to spend the afternoon on the south side of the Kaikoura Peninsula! The entry point in an “v“ shape cut out in the reef by old whalers. That whole sheltered area is a great place to spear fish and explore. Depths extend to 14m in high tide in some areas.

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Logs
40
Divers
11.0 m
⌀ Depth
5.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Baxter’s Reef

Baxters Reef is an easy beautiful shore dive, great for training and beginner level divers. The inside of the reef is often protected from swell and wind. The outer is more exposed but offers deeper water (8-16m) and more fish life. Straight forward dive with easy navigation and a clear reef to follow.

497
Logs
91
Divers
10.0 m
⌀ Depth
6.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Seal Colony

A rough walk over the rocky peninsular of Kaikoura with a difficult entry. Swim through a kelp forest and rock formations with swim throughs and small caves to explore. With many entry and exit points this dive site can be enjoyed many times. Surge and swell can make this dive tricky especially the entry and exit.

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Logs
16
Divers
12.0 m
⌀ Depth
5.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Old Wharf

8 minute drive from Daves Diving Kaikoura behind the Fyffe House. Entry/Exit point is located at the old boat ramp that is deused. Note that Boats launch from the beach do take care. The yellow ’No Fishing’ Buoy is a reference for you surface swim.

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Logs
46
Divers
8.0 m
⌀ Depth
4.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Saint Kilda’s Rocks

Launching from Jimmy Armers Beach, Saint Kildas Rock is only a 3min boat trip. The Rock is located with a Rahui and provides a stunning coastal kelp enivroment full of fish life.

22
Logs
14
Divers
12.0 m
⌀ Depth
5.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro, Stephen Frink

★★★★☆ Paia Point

Borders the Hikurangi Marine Reserve. Visible from the Paia Point Campground (SH1) are two set of rockys reefs. Note that the shore entry is challenging and the surface swim is can be 20mins.

13
Logs
7
Divers
11.0 m
⌀ Depth
4.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★★ The Sisters

Two rocks that breach the surface can be seen NE of Barney’s Rock. On the outside of the Hikurangi Marine Reserve. 15-20 minute boat south journey from South Bay Marina.

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Logs
19
Divers
22.0 m
⌀ Depth
8.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic

★★★★☆ Whalers Bay Kaikoura

The first bay over from South Bay on the eastern face of the Kaikoura peninsula. 10 minute boat ride from the South Bay Marina. Depth ranging between 6m and 30m.

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Logs
16
Divers
17.0 m
⌀ Depth
6.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro, Stephen Frink

★★★★★ Peter’s Rock (Cone Rock)

A pinnacle of coastal rocks not far off from Baxter’s Reef no more than a 3 minute boat ride from the marina in South Bay. Depths ranging from 10m - 25m.

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Logs
13
Divers
20.0 m
⌀ Depth
8.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro, Stephen Frink

★★★★★ Rhino Horn

The second bay on the eastern face of the Kaikoura Peninsula when launching from South Bay Marina. A hill on in the bay represents a Rhino Horn Giving the site it’s name. The kelp and rocky sea floor supplements many dens and surfaces to sustain many coastal marine life.

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Logs
15
Divers
15.0 m
⌀ Depth
7.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Aqualung

★★★★☆ Haylee’s hideout

A submerged pile of rocks on the outskirts of Jimmy Armers Beach on the north-side of the Peninsula, Launching from the beach it’s self the site is no more than 2-3 minutes away.

27
Logs
10
Divers
15.0 m
⌀ Depth
5.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic

★★★★☆ Nine Pins

A set of Nine Rocks that you can see breaching the surface. Directly out from The Pier Hotel. Launching from the ramp outside of The Pier Hotel at high tide only. These Rocks mark the north side of the local Rahui.

11
Logs
7
Divers
11.0 m
⌀ Depth
4.0 m
⌀ Visibility

Diving in Kaikoura

Kaikoura coastline is varied and stunning, creating many different dive sites to explore. One of the most famous landscapes is the impressive and eerie kelp forests, with their swaying green fronds, reaching up towards the light. Limestone reefs form the base for many sites which are home to various other corals, sponges and anemones. 

Most diving around Kaikoura is shore diving, though there are some options to go out on the boat too. It is possible to undertake beginner diving courses here but it is more frequently dived by experienced divers. One of the most popular courses, perhaps unsurprisingly, is the drysuit specialty which makes diving in these frigid waters a little more comfortable. 

The best Months to Dive in Kaikoura

Diving in Kaikoura is possible year round. Though the waters are cold, they are cold all year round so the only difference winter makes is the temperature of the air when you surface. Air temperatures peak at around 19°C/66°F in December and January and plummet to about 6°C/43°F in August. The water temperatures vary between 10°C–16°C/50°F–61°F yearly, so diving with a thick wetsuit or drysuit is essential at all times. Rain is frequent in Kaikoura but it doesn’t affect the diving. The summer months when the air temperatures are at their warmest are the most pleasant times to dive.

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Centers Map

Dave’s Diving Kaikoura

79 Beach Road, 7300 Kaikoura, NZL