Diving in Bay of Islands

Explore 46 dive sites in Bay of Islands, New Zealand. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Marine Life in Bay of Islands

Home to 172 recorded species including 100 reef fish, 22 sharks & rays, 11 whales & dolphins, 10 other, 6 crabs & lobsters, 4 seagrass & algae.

Marine Protected Areas in Bay of Islands

  • Mokohinau Islands - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Cape Rodney-Okakari Point - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Motu Manawa-Pollen Island - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Long Bay-Okura - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Bream Islands - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Simmonds Islands - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Walker Island - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Black Rocks - Scenic Reserve (IUCN Category III)
  • Burgess Island - Scenic Reserve (IUCN Category III)
  • Casnell Island - Scenic Reserve (IUCN Category III)
  • Kohatutara - Scenic Reserve (IUCN Category III)
  • Motuarahi - Scenic Reserve (IUCN Category III)
  • Motupapa Island - Scenic Reserve (IUCN Category III)
  • Motutapu Island - Scenic Reserve (IUCN Category III)
  • Oke Bay - Scenic Reserve (IUCN Category III)
  • Pitokuku - Scenic Reserve (IUCN Category III)
  • Poroporo Island - Scenic Reserve (IUCN Category III)
  • Tamateatai Point - Scenic Reserve (IUCN Category III)
  • Taranaki Island - Scenic Reserve (IUCN Category III)
  • Toretore Island - Scenic Reserve (IUCN Category III)
  • Kaipara - Stewardship Area (IUCN Category III)
  • Mangere - Stewardship Area (IUCN Category III)
  • Motutokape Island - Stewardship Area (IUCN Category III)
  • Ruawai - Stewardship Area (IUCN Category III)
  • South Head - Stewardship Area (IUCN Category III)
  • Ti Tree Island - Stewardship Area (IUCN Category III)
  • Totara North - Stewardship Area (IUCN Category III)
  • Tutukaka - Stewardship Area (IUCN Category III)
  • Papakanui Spit Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
  • Te Matuku - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Poor Knights Islands - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Whangarei Harbour - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Waipu River Mouth Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
  • Whangarei Harbour Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ruakaka Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
  • Moturekareka Is - Scenic Reserve (IUCN Category III)
  • Tawharanui - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Pirikawau Island - Stewardship Area (IUCN Category III)
  • Moturahurahu Island - Stewardship Area (IUCN Category III)
  • Motuapo Island Protected Private Land - Conservation Covenant (IUCN Category IV)
  • 2B2 b - Closed Seamount Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Tipare - Conservation Covenant (IUCN Category IV)
  • Maungatiketike Pa (Te Aupouri) - Conservation Covenant (IUCN Category IV)
  • Takangaroa Island - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
  • 5-02-491 - Open Space Covenant (IUCN Category IV)
  • 5-02-1340 - Open Space Covenant (IUCN Category IV)
  • 5-02-1341 - Open Space Covenant (IUCN Category IV)
  • 5-02-1342 - Open Space Covenant (IUCN Category IV)

Getting to Bay of Islands - Nearest Airports

  • Kerikeri Airport (KKE), Kerikeri - 30 km away, approx 47 min travel time
  • Auckland International Airport (AKL), Auckland - 204 km away, approx 237 min travel time
  • Whangarei Airport (WRE), Whangarei - 61 km away, approx 81 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical water conditions, including temperature and visibility, for diving in the Bay of Islands throughout the year?
Specific data regarding typical water temperature and visibility for diving in the Bay of Islands throughout the year is not provided in the current context. Divers should consult local dive centers for up-to-date conditions before planning their trip to this sub-region.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to encounter in the Bay of Islands?
While the Bay of Islands offers varied reef diving, specific details about the marine life divers can expect to encounter are not provided in the available data. However, divers can generally anticipate a diverse array of reef inhabitants typical of the Australasian region.
Which are considered the best dive sites in the Bay of Islands, and what makes them popular?
The iconic Rainbow Warrior wreck is a highly notable dive site in the Bay of Islands, offering a unique historical dive experience. Beyond this, the sub-region boasts 40 dive sites, including diverse reef dives like Paramena Reef and The Brothers, as well as pinnacles, caves, and wall dives.
Is the Bay of Islands suitable for beginner divers, or are the dive sites more geared towards experienced divers?
Based on the provided data, all listed dive sites in the Bay of Islands, such as HMNZS Canterbury and Cathedral Cave, are categorized as 'intermediate' difficulty. This suggests the dive sites are generally more geared towards divers with some prior experience rather than absolute beginners.
What are the common ways to get to the Bay of Islands for diving, and how do divers access the dive sites?
Information regarding common ways to get to the Bay of Islands for diving, or how divers typically access the dive sites, is not available in the provided context. Divers should consult local dive centres for logistical details.
What are the seasonal variations for diving in the Bay of Islands, and when is generally the best time to visit for diving?
The provided data does not include specific information on seasonal variations for diving in the Bay of Islands or the generally best time to visit. For optimal planning, it's recommended to check with local operators or refer to a comprehensive when to dive guide for New Zealand.
Are there any notable wreck dives in the Bay of Islands, and what are their characteristics or depth ranges?
Yes, the Bay of Islands is home to notable wreck dives, prominently featuring the famous Rainbow Warrior wreck. Other listed wreck sites include HMNZS Canterbury, Pillar Rock, and Sonic Boom Cave, all categorized as intermediate dives. Specific depth ranges or detailed characteristics for these wrecks are not provided in the current data.
What wetsuit thickness is typically recommended for diving in the Bay of Islands during different seasons?
The provided data does not specify recommended wetsuit thickness for diving in the Bay of Islands during different seasons. Divers should consult local dive centres or an equipment guide based on expected water temperatures for appropriate thermal protection.