Cathedral Cave - Bay of Islands

Fuikbai Anchorage, we'll be honest, isn't going to blow your mind with vast coral formations. If you’re chasing pristine reefs, this isn’t it. What it *is*, though, is a fantastic spot for a treasure hunt. Think of it as an urban dive, Caribbean style. The bottom is mostly sand and sparse vegetation, dropping to around 20 metres, and the visibility can be a bit soupy, especially after a busy Sunday. That's because Fuikbai becomes a massive local party then, and things tend to get "lost." Our favourite dives here are more about the small discoveries. We’ve found forgotten sunglasses, old anchors, even a decent camera once. You’ll spot conchs ploughing through the sand, lobsters tucked under the few rocky outcrops, and the occasional spotted trunkfish or greater soapfish cruising past. It’s a low-key dive, perfect for honing your search and recovery skills, or just enjoying a relaxed float without the pressure of a "big" reef. We'd suggest going on a weekday morning for slightly better viz and fewer party remnants. It’s a dive for those who enjoy the unexpected and don't mind getting a little gritty.

Location

Bay of Islands, New Zealand, Australasia

Coordinates

-35.164000, 174.338700

Type

cave

Marine Protected Area: Oke Bay