Home Point - Bay of Islands

Maccallum Girls always delivers, especially if you’re into the smaller stuff. This isn’t a deep dive, topping out around 19 metres, but it’s packed. We love drifting along the reef wall, spotting those easily missed creatures. Keep an eye out for Lyre Gobies darting between the coral heads, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of a sleepy Broad Shad tucked away. We’ve had some fantastic encounters here, from schools of Schoolmaster snapper shimmering in the sun to the occasional Tarpon Snook ghosting by. The hard and soft corals are impressive, particularly the large sea fans and corky sea fingers. Visibility often hovers around 10 metres, which is decent for close-up photography. Our favourite time to dive Maccallum Girls is in the morning, before the dive boats from West End arrive. It’s perfect for divers who appreciate a slow pace and the thrill of discovery.

Location
Bay of Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.319400, 174.379100
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Tamateatai Point

Nearby Dive Sites in Bay of Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Home Point

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 is the maximum depth at the Home Point dive site?
The maximum depth at Home Point is 15 meters, making it accessible for a wide range of recreational divers. While the fingers of the reef slope gently to 25 meters, the primary dive area is within the 15-meter limit. This depth, combined with an average visibility of 12 meters, offers a pleasant diving experience.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Home Point?
At Home Point, divers can explore a unique underwater landscape of many fingers that run parallel to one another, covered in kelp and a rich variety of invertebrates. It's an excellent location to spot fascinating Nudibranchs and other small critters. You'll also encounter reef fish such as Blue Maomao, Wrasse, and Demoiselle, with chances to see larger Kingfish.
How challenging is the Home Point dive site for recreational divers?
The Home Point dive site is classified as intermediate in difficulty, making it suitable for divers with some experience beyond entry-level certification. With a maximum depth of 15 meters and average visibility of 12 meters, it offers a rewarding experience for those comfortable with typical reef diving conditions. Divers should be prepared for navigating the unique finger-like reef structure.
What are the best times or conditions to dive at Home Point for optimal experience?
The provided data does not specify the best times or conditions to dive at Home Point for optimal experience. However, with an average visibility of 12 meters, divers can generally expect clear conditions. For more detailed information on seasonal variations and local insights, we recommend checking local dive reports or visiting our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive at Home Point?
Given its intermediate difficulty, a certification level beyond Open Water Diver, such as Advanced Open Water or equivalent, is recommended for diving Home Point. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and experience to comfortably navigate the site's features and depth. Always consult with a local dive operator in the Bay of Islands for specific requirements.
What are the typical current conditions and other environmental factors to be aware of when diving Home Point?
The provided data does not detail typical current conditions or other specific environmental factors for Home Point, apart from an average visibility of 12 meters. As with any dive site, it's always prudent to check local conditions and forecasts on the day of your dive. Consulting with local dive centers in the Bay of Islands area will provide the most up-to-date information regarding currents and other environmental considerations.