Wellington
With a 360° coastline and the establishment of the Taputeranga Marine Reserve in 2008, Wellington
Explore North Island
Located closest to the equator, New Zealand’s North Island experiences the countries warmest water temperatures as well as some incredible scuba diving. On the northern peninsula of the North Island, Paihia is the gateway to the towering walls, caves, tunnels and historically-significant wrecks of the Bay of Islands, where manta rays and sea turtles can be observed. Bathed in the warm water of the East Auckland Current, the Tutukaka Coast and the surrounding sites create a sub-tropical environment inviting tropical fish to mingle with New Zealand’s resident temperate species.
From Tutukaka, the Poor Knights Islands - world-renowned for some of the best sub-tropical diving on the planet - can be reached. This designated marine reserve features a web of tunnels, caves, arches, grottoes, chimneys and spectacular drop-offs. The site is home to the southern hemisphere’s largest sea cave - the Riko Riko Cave where there are dozens of dive sites to explore while in the cathedral-like dome of the cave. If you plan to scuba dive in the Poor Knights Islands, the City of Whangarei is the ideal place to stay, with only a 30-minute drive to the Tutukaka Coast. Several bays around the Tutukaka Coast and Taiharuru area are ideal for scallop diving.
In the Bay of Plenty, several wrecks can be explored just outside of Tauranga Harbour. Both the MV Rena and Taioma Wreck have become thriving artificial reefs that are accessible by advanced divers. At Warkworth, venture into the Hauraki Gulf for your chance to dive with hammerhead sharks while from Auckland, liveaboards and dive trips are offered to all the best sites of the North Island. In the southernmost city of Wellington, the water temperature drops and rugged rocky reefs and seaweed forests dominate.
Top Regions to Explore
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Dive Activity
Diving in North Island
North Island, New Zealand, offers a variety of exceptional dive sites for enthusiasts. The Poor Knights Islands, a renowned marine reserve, offer stunning underwater topography and vibrant marine life, making it a must-visit for divers. This site is accessible via liveaboard trips, providing unique opportunities for night dives where bioluminescent marine life offers a magical experience.
For those interested in wreck dives, the HMNZS Waikato near Tutukaka is a popular choice. This artificial reef attracts diverse marine species, enhancing the underwater adventure. Divers can also explore the Rainbow Warrior wreck, a historic site teeming with fish and colorful corals. Shore dives are abundant along the North Island's coastline, balancing the options between shore and liveaboard experiences, allowing divers to tailor their adventures to their preferences and skill levels.
Top Wildlife Sightings in North Island
North Island offers a vibrant tapestry of marine life, with its reefs teeming with diverse species. Common reef fish include clownfish, angelfish, and parrotfish, often seen darting through coral gardens. The island's waters host a variety of hard and soft corals, attracting an array of colorful marine inhabitants year-round.
Seasonal highlights enhance the diving experience; from November to March, divers may encounter majestic manta rays gliding gracefully through the currents. During these months, the warmer waters also bring an increased chance of spotting green sea turtles, especially around nesting sites. Additionally, reef sharks, such as blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, are frequently sighted, particularly near drop-offs and deeper reef areas. Overall, North Island provides a captivating dive experience, with notable species often encountered, depending on the season and dive location.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 25
iStock/Juliosanjuan
Eagle Ray
1.3k Sightings
J
212
F
148
M
249
A
78
M
103
J
23
J
46
A
45
S
45
O
98
N
82
D
186
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
1k Sightings
J
172
F
116
M
185
A
93
M
57
J
51
J
36
A
21
S
51
O
44
N
65
D
121
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 600
iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse
709 Sightings
J
157
F
82
M
68
A
56
M
40
J
22
J
32
A
40
S
43
O
37
N
57
D
75
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus
360 Sightings
J
57
F
35
M
28
A
25
M
12
J
30
J
18
A
31
S
20
O
14
N
24
D
66
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 110
iStock-Rainer von Brandis
Snapper
3.2k Sightings
J
538
F
343
M
567
A
242
M
222
J
129
J
137
A
100
S
139
O
166
N
227
D
384
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 600
Shutterstock-dushkovladimir
Crayfish
1.8k Sightings
J
177
F
193
M
210
A
204
M
195
J
97
J
58
A
109
S
109
O
104
N
179
D
187
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 90
Shutterstock-Levent Konuk
Goatfish
1.5k Sightings
J
284
F
168
M
252
A
107
M
61
J
46
J
59
A
43
S
84
O
103
N
69
D
186
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 80
iStock/Extreme-Photographer
Stingrays
1.1k Sightings
J
192
F
135
M
215
A
89
M
51
J
22
J
41
A
44
S
44
O
47
N
89
D
137
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 35
Shutterstock-divedog
Trout
760 Sightings
J
62
F
74
M
104
A
116
M
64
J
27
J
26
A
36
S
49
O
53
N
68
D
81
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 250
iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
Scorpionfish
584 Sightings
J
105
F
73
M
82
A
54
M
39
J
18
J
17
A
19
S
37
O
31
N
44
D
65
Other Things to Do in North Island
North Island offers year-round diving opportunities with varying conditions throughout the seasons. Water temperatures typically range from 14°C in winter to 22°C in summer. During the warmer months, divers can enjoy pleasant dives, while winter temperatures might require thicker wetsuits.
Visibility averages between 10 to 30 meters, generally being clearer in the cooler months due to reduced plankton. Wind and currents can influence conditions, particularly in spring when winds are stronger, potentially affecting dive plans. Although diving is possible all year, summer and autumn provide the most favorable conditions for clarity and comfort.
