Log This Dive

HMNZS Canterbury

The HMNZS Canterbury wreck in the Bay of Islands feels different from many other artificial reefs. We think it’s because she was sunk so carefully, upright and intact, making her less a pile of scattered metal and more a purposeful structure for divers to explore. Dropping down onto her deck at around 20 metres, you can still feel the scale of the old frigate. We love poking around the bridge, imagining her underway, then slipping through the helicopter hangar. What makes the Canterbury a standout, beyond the sheer size, is how quickly life has taken hold. Rainbow fish swarm around the mast, and we’ve seen impressive schools of butterfly perch tucked into the deeper holds. Look closely for the smaller stuff too – bristleworms are everywhere, and we often spot olive rockfish peeking from shadowy corners. Currents can pick up, so we always check the tides; slack water makes for a much more relaxed exploration of the interior. She’s definitely one for experienced divers comfortable with penetration, offering a genuinely engaging wreck experience rather than just a quick look.