Explore Marlborough Sounds

Nestled in the northernmost tip of New Zealand's South Island, Marlborough Sounds offers an extraordinary diving experience that combines natural beauty with historical intrigue. Renowned for its extensive coastline, this region provides a myriad of dive sites ranging from tranquil marine reserves to fascinating shipwrecks. One of the most captivating sites is the Mikhail Lermontov, a massive Russian cruise liner that sank in 1986. Now one of the largest diveable wrecks in the southern hemisphere, it attracts divers eager to explore its remnants and the marine life thriving around it.

The diving environments in Marlborough Sounds vary widely, ensuring an adventure for every type of diver. From vibrant reefs teeming with New Zealand's unique marine species to the sheltered coves of Long Island Marine Reserve, the diversity is astounding. The reserve, established nearly 30 years ago, is a testament to conservation efforts, offering a sanctuary for a plethora of marine life. The sheltered landscapes of the Sounds provide consistent diving conditions year-round, with water temperatures ranging from 11°C–20°C/52°F–68°F. While some sites are accessible from the shore, most require a boat, adding an element of seafaring adventure to your diving expeditions. Whether you're navigating the depths of historic shipwrecks or marveling at the colorful sea life, Marlborough Sounds promises a diving experience unlike any other.

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★☆ Double Cove Marine Reserve

Double Cove is a marine reserve located in the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound. This site is ideal for beginners and training, as it is quite sheltered with depths from 9 down to 18m. Entry to the water is by boat or small jetty.

111
Logs
62
Divers
14.0 m
⌀ Depth
6.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ MV Mikhail Lermontov, wreck

The Mikhail Lermontov is one of the biggest cruise ship dives in the world. Sunk under mysterious circumstance in 1986, it has become a world class wreck dive suitable for divers from beginner all the way to technical. The Lermontov lies in a remote sheltered bay at the top of New Zealand’s South island.

407
Logs
104
Divers
23.0 m
⌀ Depth
6.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Koi Wreck

The Koi is a 32-meter vessel from Scotland, built in 1912 and sunk in 1940. Originally a passenger ship travelling between Motueka and Nelson, it was later converted into a coal ship. She now lies in 12 meters of water and is a great dive site for macro photography!

97
Logs
61
Divers
14.0 m
⌀ Depth
7.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Blue Cod Point

A sheltered shallow cove with a mooring point gives great options for a shallow second dive. Head south east and you can follow a rocky wall at 8-10m depth for about 20mins.

13
Logs
6
Divers
11.0 m
⌀ Depth
3.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★☆☆ Wiakawa Swim Spot

A very sheltered spot that is normally only used when weather prevents diving elsewhere. It is surrounded by boating exclusion buoys so it is very safe.

15
Logs
12
Divers
7.0 m
⌀ Depth
5.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★☆☆ Allports Island

Allports Island is an uninhabited island reaching a height of 79 meters. The water is deep around the whole coast of the island and is great for deep diving. The site is suitable for all levels of diving. Mostly used for deep-dive training.

6
Logs
4
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
8.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro, Stephen Frink

★★★★★ Lochmara

Lochmara is home to a local reef conservation project helping regenerate kelp, as well as an underwater observatory. The area around the observatory shows a great representation of Inner Sound fish species. During our surface intervals, guests can explore the Lochmara Lodge bush and wildlife conservation project.

17
Logs
6
Divers
9.0 m
⌀ Depth
4.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★☆☆ Melville Cove

A sheltered bay in Port Gore, ideal for beginners and training dives. Sandy bottom with a mooring line in the centre, around 6 metres at the bottom of the line. Great spot for night diving too.

45
Logs
16
Divers
10.0 m
⌀ Depth
3.0 m
⌀ Visibility

Diving in Marlborough Sounds

Marlborough Sounds in New Zealand offers diverse diving experiences for enthusiasts. One of the top sites is the Mikhail Lermontov wreck, a massive ocean liner that sank in 1986, providing an extraordinary wreck dive with various entry points and intriguing interiors to explore. For shore diving, the Long Island Marine Reserve boasts crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, including colorful fish and kelp forests, making it a favorite among divers. Night diving in Marlborough Sounds reveals unique underwater behaviors, such as bioluminescent creatures and nocturnal fish activity. The area offers a balanced mix of shore and liveaboard diving options, catering to different preferences and levels of experience. Whether you're exploring historic wrecks or vibrant marine reserves, Marlborough Sounds promises unforgettable underwater adventures.

The best Months to dive in Marlborough Sounds

Marlborough Sounds offers diving opportunities throughout the year, with conditions varying by season. During summer, water temperatures range from 17°C–21°C/63°F–70°F, providing warmer conditions for diving. In winter, temperatures drop to around 12°C–14°C/54°F–57°F. Visibility can range from 5 to 20 meters/16 to 66 feet, generally improving in the colder months when plankton levels decrease.

Although diving is possible year-round, divers should be aware of local weather factors. Wind can significantly impact diving conditions, particularly in exposed areas, while tidal currents may affect visibility and safety. The most favorable diving conditions are often found in late spring and early autumn when weather is stable, and water temperatures are moderate.

Statistics

Historical data and trends

Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions

Centers Map

GO DIVE PACIFIC

Melville Cove, 7220 Port Gore, NZL