Marlborough Sounds
Marlborough has everything from protected marine reserves to your favorite cray spots and a stunning selection of wrecks from the 1800s up to the 1980s and more
Explore South Island
The South Island of New Zealand, officially named Te Waipounamu, is synonymous with peace, wilderness and impossible standards of rugged beauty. It generally enjoys cooler weather than the smaller and more subtropical North Island but it has a charm all of its own - though the larger of the two islands, it has a smaller population, so you can find your very own slice of paradise.
Though cold, diving in New Zealand is a very popular activity. The clarity and biodiversity of the oceans, fjords and lakes draw in thousands of scuba divers each year. It has a number of dive centres and dive resorts available, most of which are centred around the population hubs of Dunedin and Christchurch, as well as the top diving destinations like Milford Sound and Kaikoura. Many of these offer diving courses from beginner right up to professional, as well as specialty courses like drysuit diving. In a climate where the winter water temperatures plummet to 8oC in August, this course is very popular! Though many people do learn to dive here, especially in the summer, it is worth noting that many dive sites are best enjoyed by more experienced divers. Though there are several liveaboards found around North Island in the summer months, there aren’t any operating around South Island.
The highlights of scuba diving in the South Island are numerous. The kelp forests in Aramoana ole are an eerily unusual place to explore.. The cold, nutrient rich waters pulled up from the deep encourage a wide diversity of marine life including mako sharks, tuna, kingfish, fur seals, dolphins, whales and even great white sharks. The waters of Milford Sound create a unique environment for rare species - the mountains blocking the sunlight mean that species like black coral, normally found below 100m, are seen at much shallower depths.
Top Regions to Explore
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Diving in South Island
South Island, New Zealand, offers an array of dive sites that cater to both shore and liveaboard divers. The wreck of Mikhail Lermontov is a notable site, providing divers with a thrilling exploration of a sunken Russian cruise liner. This wreck is accessible via liveaboard and is ideal for those seeking an adventurous dive through its intricate corridors and rooms.
For shore diving enthusiasts, the Fiordland National Park offers stunning underwater landscapes teeming with unique marine life. Night dives here unveil the enchanting bioluminescence of plankton, creating a magical underwater spectacle. Whether you prefer the convenience of shore dives or the expansive experience of liveaboard trips, South Island's dive sites promise unforgettable underwater adventures.
Top Wildlife Sightings in South Island
South Island's marine life is a vibrant tapestry of species, with common reef fish such as the blue cod, butterfish, and moki frequently spotted in the waters. These fish are often seen around the rocky coastlines and kelp forests, providing divers with a colorful underwater experience.
Seasonal highlights include the sightings of large marine creatures like sharks, turtles, and rays. During the summer months, divers have a higher chance of encountering the elusive basking shark, known for its massive size and gentle demeanor. Green sea turtles are occasionally seen migrating along the coast during autumn, while eagle rays can be spotted gliding gracefully near the seafloor year-round. The likelihood of encountering these species varies, with locations such as Kaikoura and Fiordland offering some of the best opportunities for observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
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.: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus
119 Sightings
J
22
F
9
M
3
A
3
M
0
J
3
J
1
A
0
S
5
O
6
N
37
D
30
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
71 Sightings
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20
F
5
M
8
A
11
M
0
J
0
J
4
A
1
S
5
O
1
N
3
D
13
AdobeStock-wildestanimal
Common Dolphin
25 Sightings
J
4
F
2
M
3
A
7
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
1
O
0
N
3
D
5
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 7
iStock-Michael Zeigler
Sea Lion
9 Sightings
J
5
F
0
M
0
A
2
M
0
J
2
J
0
A
0
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0
O
0
N
0
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 60
iStock-Global_Pics
Spiny Lobster
156 Sightings
J
31
F
28
M
17
A
14
M
6
J
2
J
0
A
1
S
6
O
3
N
20
D
28
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 3000
SSI-Peter-Schinck
Nudibranch
93 Sightings
J
15
F
11
M
11
A
16
M
1
J
3
J
2
A
0
S
4
O
1
N
11
D
18
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 22
Shutterstock-andrzej_67
Cod
75 Sightings
J
17
F
2
M
16
A
11
M
2
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
4
O
2
N
4
D
17
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 9
AdobeStock-Dmitry Kokh
Fur Seal
63 Sightings
J
9
F
7
M
5
A
8
M
1
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
3
O
1
N
12
D
16
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 7000
iStock-Michael Zeigler
Crab
34 Sightings
J
8
F
3
M
0
A
4
M
3
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
3
O
1
N
1
D
11
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 55
Shutterstock-RLS Photo
Lobster
34 Sightings
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3
F
3
M
9
A
3
M
2
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
3
O
1
N
4
D
6
The best Months to Dive in South Island
South Island offers year-round diving opportunities with varying conditions across the seasons. During summer, water temperatures range from 17°C to 22°C, providing comfortable diving conditions. In contrast, winter temperatures can drop to 8°C–15°C, necessitating thicker wetsuits or drysuits for added warmth. Visibility typically ranges from 10 to 30 meters, with the best clarity often found during the cooler months when plankton blooms are less prevalent. Weather factors such as wind and currents can influence diving conditions, particularly in the exposed coastal regions. The southern coastline can experience stronger winds and swells, especially during the winter months, which may impact dive plans. However, many sheltered bays offer suitable conditions throughout the year. Although diving is possible year-round, the spring season might present less favorable conditions due to increased runoff from rainfall affecting water clarity. Overall, with careful planning, divers can enjoy a wide array of diving experiences on South Island.
