New Zealand has some stunning scenery that easily makes it a dream destination for most people. If you love the outdoors, you will enjoy the lush scenery there is to be enjoyed in New Zealand. Those who love exploring the depths of the sea are treated to a diver’s paradise.
The accessible coastlines, offshore islands and marine reserves create a vast and captivating underwater world. The late Jacques Cousteau often exclaimed at the beauty of the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, which to him is among the top five diving destinations in the world. New Zealand is known for diving spots where you can do all kinds of dives. The qualified divers are spoilt for choice with plenty of areas with the clear waters that allow you to take in all the marine life in these areas.
Off the shore of the North, the islands there attract tropical fish. In the South Island, the fiords provide an environment where black corral thrives.
You can choose to go for deep sea diving at Milford Sound, the waters famous for the thriving marine life, or you could also go for wreck dives which Northland and the Bay of Islands are famous for. If you are up for some more diving you could also explore the region of Kaikoura famous for all the sea mammals found there. If you are asking when the best time to Scuba dive in New Zealand is, then you have come to the right place. We shall be listing various diving spots and when to visit them.
Port Gore, Marlborough Sounds
What you can see here: The Mikhail Lermontov
Ms Mikhail Lermontov is a Russian cruise liner that sank in the year 1986. The 20,000-ton cruise liner struck rocks in the area around Cape Jackson and sunk. It is among the largest wrecks in the world that divers can explore and you will love how dive-accessible it is. The wreck stands 576 feet long on its starboard side, with a maximum depth of 125 feet. The seasoned divers can penetrate through the wreck and have a look at the regal chandeliers and staircases.
The hull of the wreckage lies just above the water at 50 feet so you don’t have to be the best diver to see it. However, even the best divers should have an orientation before descending to the wreckage. Divers with closed-circuit rebreather training can go through the interior of the wreck for the best visibility of the site.
Divers can visit the site during the peak of the diving season which occurs during the months of October to April. During this period, water temperature ranges between 54°F during the winter and 68°F during the summer months. You can use a 7mm wetsuit but a drysuit will work better. Remember that you should always bring your dive knife and torch when going for a wreck dive. The best times to go for diving in these areas are in the months of February through April.
Kaikoura
What there to see: the fur seals of New Zealand
Kaikoura is a scenic town with a lot of swimming opportunities and a playful approachable atmosphere all round. There is an array of dive sites in this area where you get the opportunity to see the fur seals of New Zealand. The continental shelf is close by and this creates biodiversity below the waters of Kaikoura where you will find dolphins, whales, sharks, and many other marine life.
The diving site at Kaikoura is one of those that you can go to all through the year. In the summer the water temperatures are welcoming and diving is at a high. During the non-diving days, however, you can explore the coastline and mountains much better.
There are many more diving locations through New Zealand with a lot of great flora and fauna to be seen. The non-divers also have a lot to do for their enjoyment since New Zealand is also known for wildlife and picturesque forests that have been featured in the “Lord of the Rings’ trilogy and the “Hobbit”.
With the white sandy beaches, the pleasant climate and the ingrained culture, New Zealand is bound to offer a memorable experience. Visitors are advised to book tour packages early to enjoy the lower prices.
