Scuba Diving in New Zealand

Explore 266 dive sites and 42 dive centres in New Zealand. Conditions, marine life, and the best time to dive.

New Zealand Diving at a Glance

6 dive regions, 266 dive sites, 42 dive centres, 188 marine species recorded.

Travel Advisories for New Zealand

UK FCDO: See travel advice before travelling.

Best Time to Dive in New Zealand

The best months to dive in New Zealand are January, February, March, based on water temperature, visibility, wave conditions, and currents.

Month-by-Month Diving Conditions

  • January: Great, water 19.1°C, current 11.7 cm/s
  • February: Great, water 19.6°C, current 10.4 cm/s
  • March: Great, water 19.2°C, current 10.2 cm/s
  • April: Good, water 17.8°C, current 10.8 cm/s
  • May: Good, water 16.2°C, current 11.8 cm/s
  • June: Good, water 14.6°C, current 8.9 cm/s
  • July: Good, water 13.6°C, current 9.6 cm/s
  • August: Good, water 13.2°C, current 9.3 cm/s
  • September: Good, water 13.6°C, current 9.9 cm/s
  • October: Good, water 14.4°C, current 9.7 cm/s
  • November: Good, water 16.3°C, current 12.4 cm/s
  • December: Good, water 17.8°C, current 14.6 cm/s

Recommended Packing List for New Zealand

Based on average water temperature of 16.3°C, currents 11 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 16°C water
  • Hood & Gloves (3-5mm) - helps retain warmth
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Dive Regions