Raziščite Wellington

Z obalo 360° in ustanovitvijo morskega rezervata Taputeranga leta 2008 je razgibana obala Wellingtona na južni konici Severnega otoka postala priljubljena destinacija za potapljanje. Dostopna z južne obale ponuja veliko lokacij za potapljanje z obale, pa tudi številne razbitine ladij, ki segajo vse do leta 1884 – kar ustvarja potapljaško izkušnjo, ki prežema zgodovino. Pristanišče Wellington je znano po potapljanju s pokrovačami in fascinantnih makro lokacijah, v smeri proti Mani pa so na voljo potopi tako za začetnike kot za izkušene potapljače sredi čiste vode in čudovite pokrajine.

Potapljanje v Wellingtonu je možno v nekaj potapljaških centrih, ki se nahajajo neposredno na južni obali, ter v potapljaškem centru v Mani in potapljaškem centru v bližini otoka Kapiti, najdaljšega morskega rezervata v Wellingtonu. Potapljaški centri v okolici ponujajo potapljaške tečaje, od pridobitve prvega potapljaškega certifikata do poklicnega potapljača s tečajem Divemaster ali Instructor. Večina potapljanja v Wellingtonu poteka ob koncu tedna.

Top Wellington Dive Sites

1. HMNZS Wellington (F69) Wreck

The HMNZS Wellington wreck is a fascinating dive site off Island Bay. The 113-metre frigate is now covered with hydroids and sea tulips, providing shelter to blue cod, goatfish, tarakihi, butterfish, and occasional barracuda. This site is suitable for advanced scuba divers due to its depth of 21 meters. The wreck’s unique underwater architecture and vibrant marine life make it a must-visit.

2. Hunter Bank

Located between Kapiti and Mana Islands, Hunter Bank is an adventurous dive site ideal for advanced divers. Known for its strong currents, it should be visited during slack tide. The reef rises from 40 meters to 18 meters and hosts large crayfish, kingfish, and occasionally sharks. This site is primarily for scuba diving and offers an exhilarating experience.

3. Kapiti Island Marine Reserve

Kapiti Island offers a mesmerizing diving experience with schools of baitfish, tarakihi, butterfly perch, and pelagic species. Suitable for both scuba and freediving, it caters to varying skill levels. The island is a marine reserve, ensuring protection for its diverse marine life. The scenic underwater topography adds to the allure of this dive site.

4. Whitireia Park

Ideal for all levels, including beginners, Whitireia Park offers calm diving conditions in as little as 3 meters of water. Expect to see juvenile fish, stingrays, and seahorses. This site is suitable for scuba diving and freediving, making it a versatile choice for divers seeking a relaxed underwater experience.

5. Taputeranga Marine Reserve

This marine reserve on Wellington’s south coast offers easy to moderate dives with stunning kelp forests and rocky underwater landscapes. Divers can observe a variety of fish species, including wrasse and blue cod. The protected status ensures a rich biodiversity, making it ideal for both scuba and freediving.

Najboljši meseci za potapljanje v Wellingtonu

Wellingtonova obala zagotavlja, da je vedno prostor za potapljanje, ne glede na vremensko napoved – kar pomeni, da je potapljanje v Wellingtonu na voljo vse leto. Potapljaški izleti potekajo na južni obali, ko so vremenske razmere varne, če pa se okrepijo južni vetrovi, se južna obala spremeni v raj za deskarje, potapljači pa se lahko za podvodno dogajanje obrnejo proti Mani. Če se nameravate preizkusiti v potapljanju s pokrovačami, se sezona začne julija in konča februarja.

Temperatura vode se skozi vse leto giblje med 10 °C in 17 °C. Večina potapljačev nosi 7 mm neoprenske obleke s kapuco. Vidljivost na potapljaških mestih blizu obale se giblje od 3 do 10 metrov, medtem ko lahko vidljivost na odprtem morju doseže 15 metrov.