Bird Rock - Bay of Islands

Director's Bay is one of those spots we always point people to for an easy, rewarding shore dive. You’re kicking out over a sandy slope that slowly drops to the reef wall, which eventually meets up with the Tugboat site if you head west. That wall is where the real show starts; we’ve found some fantastic macro life tucked into the crevices there. Think tiny nine-lined gobies, often a spotfin dragonet or two, and the vibrant orange ball corallimorphs clinging to the overhangs. Keep an eye out for a hawksbill turtle cruising by – they’re fairly regular visitors here. Our favourite way to dive it is early morning. The light paints the corals beautifully, and you often have the place to yourself before the day boats arrive. The current is usually mild, making it a relaxed drift along the wall if there’s any push. It's a fantastic site for photographers focusing on small stuff, but the sheer number of creole wrasse and schoolmasters makes for a lively wider scene too. Maximum depth around 21 metres means plenty of bottom time, and the average 22-metre visibility rarely disappoints.

Location
Bay of Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.163500, 174.306100
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
15-40m

Marine Protected Area: Oke Bay

Nearby Dive Sites in Bay of Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Bird Rock

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.

Notable Species

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving depths at Bird Rock?
At Bird Rock, divers can typically explore down to a maximum depth of 19 meters. While the rock walls themselves extend deeper, sloping down to 30-40 meters, the primary dive area is within recreational limits. This makes it accessible for various certification levels.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Bird Rock?
Divers at Bird Rock will encounter a large rock formation with walls sloping down and numerous crevasses. These features provide hiding spots for fascinating marine life such as Moray Eels and Crayfish. In winter, Fur Seals sometimes inhabit the rock and may even swim with divers, while schooling fish and Kingfish are often attracted by the currents.
How challenging is diving at Bird Rock for different skill levels?
Bird Rock is officially rated as an intermediate difficulty dive site. It is recommended for more experienced divers due to the potential for strong currents, which can make the dive more challenging. Divers should be comfortable with current conditions to fully enjoy this site.
What is the best time of year or day to dive Bird Rock for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or day for optimal diving conditions at Bird Rock. However, divers interested in encountering Fur Seals should plan their visit during the winter months, as they are known to inhabit the rock and swim with divers during this period. For general information on dive planning, visit When to Dive.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive at Bird Rock?
Given that Bird Rock is rated as an intermediate dive site and recommended for more experienced divers, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience in current diving is advisable. While not explicitly stated as required, having a higher skill level will enhance your safety and enjoyment of the dive.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Bird Rock?
Divers at Bird Rock can expect average visibility of 16 meters, offering clear views of the underwater environment. However, it's important to be aware that there can sometimes be strong currents at this site, which contributes to its recommendation for more experienced divers.