Key Hole - Bay of Islands

Millers Point, or Shark Alley as many still call it, holds a special place in our logbooks. It's not about huge depths; at a maximum of 9 meters, it's a shallow dive, but the magic happens in that dense, swaying kelp forest. We’ve spent hours drifting through the golden fronds, hoping for a glimpse of the infamous seven-gill cow sharks that once made this spot famous. While their numbers might not be what they were, the chance of a shy shark or a pyjama shark tucked into the kelp is still high, and that's what keeps us coming back. The feeling of the cool Atlantic water wrapping around you, the light dappling through the kelp canopy – it’s genuinely enchanting. Look closely among the holdfasts for smaller critters, maybe a vibrant nudibranch or a scuttling crab. Visibility here averages around 6 meters, so it's not a wide-angle dream, but that suits the intimate, exploratory nature of the dive. We often find the best conditions are on a calm morning, before any wind picks up. This site is perfect for those who appreciate the subtle beauty of a temperate reef and love the thrill of searching for something special in the shadows.

Location

Bay of Islands, New Zealand, Australasia

Coordinates

-35.177200, 174.330000

Marine Protected Area: Oke Bay