Bay of Islands Diving with Northland Dive
Experience world-class Bay of Islands diving with Northland Dive, offering unforgettable dive trips to the famous Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve and Northland’s spectacular shipwreck dive sites.
Explore vibrant underwater landscapes filled with colourful sponge gardens, kelp forests, caves, tunnels and towering canyon walls. Encounter abundant marine life while diving some of New Zealand’s most iconic dive locations including the Rainbow Warrior and HMNZS Canterbury wrecks.
With professional guides, quality equipment and comfortable dive vessels, Northland Dive provides safe and memorable diving experiences for both recreational and experienced divers exploring the incredible waters of Northland.
The Bay of Islands is one of the best places for diving in the North Island of New Zealand, with warm waters, dramatic underwater landscapes and world-famous marine reserves attracting divers from around the world.
Poor Knights Islands Diving
The Poor Knights Islands are widely regarded as one of the best dive locations in the world. Volcanic formations create dramatic underwater arches, caves, tunnels and swim-throughs filled with marine life and colourful reef systems.
Northland Dive operates trips aboard their custom liveaboard vessel Sun Spy, designed specifically for divers.
Features include:
- Comfortable space for up to 10 divers
- Diver lift for easy water entry and exit
- Nitrox fills available
- Access to some of the best dive sites in Northland
Many dive sites are within a comfortable boat ride and sheltered from the weather, making them accessible throughout the year.
Bay of Islands Shipwreck Diving
Northland is also home to some of New Zealand’s most famous wreck dives.
HMNZS Canterbury Wreck
The HMNZS Canterbury lies in Maunganui Bay resting upright at a maximum depth of 38 metres. The upper structure begins at around 14 metres and attracts an abundance of marine life. Multiple openings allow experienced wreck divers to safely explore its interior decks.
Rainbow Warrior Wreck
The historic Rainbow Warrior, Greenpeace’s flagship vessel, was sunk in 1985 and now lies at the Cavalli Islands as an artificial reef. The wreck sits at a depth of 26 metres and supports a diverse range of marine life, making it one of New Zealand’s most famous dive sites.
Bay of Islands Dive Retreat Accommodation
Northland Dive also offers a welcoming diver’s retreat accommodation in the Bay of Islands, providing the perfect base for multi-day dive adventures.
Guests can enjoy:
- Relaxed diver-friendly accommodation
- Spa pool and WiFi
- Home-cooked meals
- Picnic lunches on remote beaches
Accommodation options include dormitory rooms, camping areas, double rooms, family rooms, cabins and twin share rooms.
Both individual divers and groups are welcome.
Dive Courses Bay of Islands
Northland Dive offers a range of SSI dive training courses for divers looking to improve their skills while exploring the incredible underwater world of Northland.
Courses include:
- SSI Advanced Adventurer
- SSI Specialty Diver
- SSI Advanced Open Water Diver
- SSI Master Diver
- SSI Dive Guide
- XR Technical Diving Programs
Whether you are building experience or progressing to professional dive qualifications, the experienced team will guide you every step of the way.
Location
Northland Dive is located in the Bay of Islands, providing easy access to the region’s world-class dive sites.
- 3.5 hours’ drive from Auckland
- 1 hour north of Whangārei
- 40 minutes south of Russell
This central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the Poor Knights Islands, Cavalli Islands and Northland’s famous wreck dives.
Book Your Bay of Islands Diving Adventure
Discover why divers from around the world travel to Northland for the incredible Bay of Islands diving and Poor Knights dive experiences offered by Northland Dive.
Whether you’re planning your next dive trip, wreck dive or training course, Northland Dive provides expert guidance, quality equipment and unforgettable underwater adventures.
👉 Contact Northland Dive today to book your next diving experience in the Bay of Islands.
Explore accommodation, attractions and activities in our Northland travel guide.
FAQs
Where are the best diving locations in the Bay of Islands?
Popular dive sites include the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, the Rainbow Warrior wreck at the Cavalli Islands and the HMNZS Canterbury wreck in Maunganui Bay.
Can beginners go diving in the Bay of Islands?
Yes. Northland Dive offers dive training and guided trips suitable for certified divers with varying experience levels.
What marine life can you see when diving in Northland?
Divers commonly see colourful sponge gardens, kelp forests, stingrays, schooling fish, nudibranchs and seasonal pelagic species.
How far are the Poor Knights Islands from the Bay of Islands?
The Poor Knights Islands are located off the Tutukaka Coast and are accessible by dive boat from Northland dive operators.
Is the Poor Knights Islands a good place to dive?
Yes. The Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve is considered one of the best dive locations in the world thanks to its volcanic formations, underwater caves, arches and abundant marine life.
Is the Rainbow Warrior wreck safe to dive?
Yes. The Rainbow Warrior wreck is a well-known artificial reef and popular dive site suitable for experienced divers with appropriate certification.
