New Zealand Scuba Diving Itineraries
incorporating Matakana Coast - Tutukaka - White Island - Coromandel Peninsula

Below you will find information about scuba diving in the upper North Island of New Zealand. All of the
below diving destinations are among the most popular in New Zealand, and often world famous.

Click here to view our diving itinerary which includes four of the most popular diving destinations in New Zealand.

NEW ZEALAND DIVING DESTINATIONS INCLUDED IN OUR SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Goat Island Marine Reserve, Matakana Coast, North Auckland - Goat Island Marine Reserve is officially named Cape Rodney to Okakari Point Marine Reserve, covering 5 kms of shoreline and encompassing 500 hectares. Its protected environment has seen a dramatic increase in marine life, attracting thousands of visitors from around the globe annually. Goat Island itself, situated just 137 meters of shallow sea water north of the white sand beach, can be reached easily by swimmers, snorkellers, scuba divers and kayakers.

Poor Knights Islands, Tutukaka - Separated from mainland New Zealand, the Poor Knights Islands are influenced by a warm current that originates in the Coral Sea, north of Australia. Water temperature is higher, and visibility significantly greater than in nearby coastal waters. Tropical and subtropical life forms have become established among the diverse and multiple environments formed by the island's volcanic origins.Underground caves, tunnels and archways are home to an extraordinary variety of seaweeds and dense populations of friendly, colourful fish. Enjoy diving through two former Navy ships at the Tutukaka Heads. These ships were purposly sunk for diving trips and are easily accessible.

Bay of Islands - Dive the beautiful Bay of Islands, Cavalli Islands and Cape Brett. Dive the Rainbow Warrior, one of New Zealand’s premiere wreck dives, and be one of the first to dive the recently 'sunk' HMNZS Canterbury. Along the way, by amazed by the stunning underwater scenery and wildlife

Coromandel Peninsula - Whitianga & Mercury Bay is a favorite holiday destination for many New Zealanders & International visitors, one visit and you’ll see why. The natural beauty is breathtaking, with a rich back drop of hills, cliffs and native bush covered valleys, opening up to beaches, ocean and Islands that mesmerize. The drive through from Thames is spectacular, an alternate route is up the Western side from Thames to Coromandel before crossing to Whitianga, this is equally as spectacular with an ocean side drive that sets the tone for what you will discover when you arrive in Whitianga. Whitianga town is small in size big on friendliness and even bigger on activities, especially water activities, it truly is New Zealand's dive playground.

White Island, Whakatane - White Island is New Zealand's only active marine volcano. The crystal clear deep blue waters that surround the island are legendary for huge numbers of fish. Blue and Pink Mao Mao, Sweep, Wrasse, Lord Howe Coralfish, Kingfish, Golden Snapper,Moray Eels, Stingrays are just some of the many species of fish that you will see. Diving at White Island is so spectacular. Not only the fish life is prolific and visibility is world class but where else can you dive and experience viewing volcanic activity and volcanic terrain. A range of dive sites are available from sites suitable for beginners through to the experienced.

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