Boulder Garden

★★★☆☆ (0)

Boulder garden slopes from the surface to depths of more than 50m. The slope is covered in boulders which feature many colourful sponges and other invertebrates. This is a great dive site for advanced to technical divers.

Species found here include Lord Howe Coral Fish, Nudibranchs and Scorpionfish, with the occasional shark.

Dive Activity

Dive Centers Catering This Dive Site

Paihia Dive

Paihia Dive

35 Williams Road, 0247 Paihia, New Zealand
Freedive Aotearoa

Freedive Aotearoa

30 Selwyn Road, 0200 Paihia, New Zealand
NORTHLAND DIVE

NORTHLAND DIVE

3851 RUSSELL ROAD, 0184 Whangarei, New Zealand

Dive Sites Nearby

Global Dive, 1010 Auckland
Motuwheteke Island (★4.3)

Motuwheteke Island (★4.3)

With the option to dive either the western or eastern side, Motuwheke Island is a rocky reef dive. Kelp covered boulders can be found on the western side where depths from 15-25m, with greater depths of 25m to 45m on the eastern side.
DIVE NOW, 0110 Whanagrei
HMNZS Canterbury (Wreck) (★4.7)

HMNZS Canterbury (Wreck) (★4.7)

The HMNZS Canterbury was decommissioned at the end of March 2005 and was scuttled on 3 November 2007 at Deep Water Cove in the Bay of Islands, making for a great artificial reef wreck dive.
Global Dive, 1010 Auckland
Putahataha Island (★4.6)

Putahataha Island (★4.6)

Rocky kelpy reef in 10m of water on the inward side of the island leads out to 18-25m towards the seawards side as one circumnavigates the island. An underwater cavern is a main feature of this dive, approximately 5m wide at the entrance.
Global Dive, 1010 Auckland
White Reef (★4.6)

White Reef (★4.6)

A wonderful dive site for beginner divers and snorkelers. Named for the white rock it is made of, White Reef has made a substantial recovery within the protection of the Rahui, from Kina barren white rock to an almost fully covered healthy reef.
Global Dive, 1010 Auckland
Kariparapa Point (★4.6)

Kariparapa Point (★4.6)

A long finger extends from the land towards the sea. The finger starts at 12m and runs west down to 25m, where it drops further. Towards the deeper end of the finger there is a swim through. Further in towards the land there are big boulders and a small cavern.
Mares, Janez Kranjc
Bowling Alley (★5.0)

Bowling Alley (★5.0)

Bowling Alley is a shallower dive site with depths from 5-25m. The site is full of kelp covered boulders which can hide Crayfish and Moray Eels. This is a very fishy dive that is suited to Open Water and Advanced divers.
Mares
Sonic Boom Cave (★0.0)

Sonic Boom Cave (★0.0)

A short swim from Big Eyes Lair, Sonic Boom cave can be visited on the same dive. Divers will likely hear it before they see it. Swell crashing at the back of the cave creates a loud boom sound that can be heard from a distance. The cave is narrow, and entering is recommended in calmer conditions
Aqualung
Big Eyes Lair (★4.4)

Big Eyes Lair (★4.4)

The main feature of this dive site is an impressive swim through, with the entrance at 24m, the swim through forms a natural tunnel 35m in length, opening at the northern end at 18m into kelpy boulders.
Mares
The Nursery (★4.1)

The Nursery (★4.1)

The Nursery is a shallow dive site, with depths ranging from 5-20m. Juvenile fish are often found in this area. There are many cracks and boulders covered by colourful invertebrates and kelp.
Global Dive, 1010 Auckland
The Sisters (★4.1)

The Sisters (★4.1)

The Sisters form a stand-alone rock off Cape Brett. The rock splits in two to form a narrow canyon at 10m. On the seaward side of the canyon, the rock drops off to 40m or more to boulders, while the inland side goes to 30m. There can be strong current at this dive site.
Mares, Janez Kranjc
Key Hole (★4.4)

Key Hole (★4.4)

Key Hole is named for the shape of the rock seen above the dive site, which is shaped as though a key could slot into it. The dive site is covered by colourful boulders and walls, which sit in 5-20m of water.
Paihia Dive, 0247 Paihia
The Dog (★3.0)

The Dog (★3.0)

The Dog is a drift dive along the western side of the island. There is strong current which will sweep divers along a colourful wall. Near the bottom of the wall in 30-40m there are boulders covered in gorgonians and a black coral tree. Due to depth and current, this site is recommended for Advance and above diver
Mares, Janez Kranjc
Bird Rock (★4.5)

Bird Rock (★4.5)

Bird Rock is a large rock off Cape Brett. The walls of the rock slope down on all sides to 30-40m. In the winter, seals sometimes inhabit the rock and will jump into the water to swim with the divers. This site is recommended for more experienced divers as there can sometimes be strong currents.
Global Dive, 1010 Auckland
Cathedral Cave (★4.5)

Cathedral Cave (★4.5)

Cathedral Cave is a large sea cave which is open at the surface. The walls of the cave drop to 30m at the entrance, with depths up to 55m further out. There are a great variety of creatures found here.
Scubapro, Stephen Frink
Piercys’ Backside (★0.0)

Piercys’ Backside (★0.0)

At the northern point of Piercy Island, this dive site drops slowly into 90m of water. This is a deep dive site and is recommended for technical divers. Rocky boulders lead to ledges at 20m. At 40m, an arch can be found.
Scubapro, Stephen Frink
Frenchmans Reef (★3.8)

Frenchmans Reef (★3.8)

Small reef top out of water at low tide. Drops off to 9m deep - sand and mixed kelp. Dive with flag always as boat traffic can be a issue. Normally little current