Piercys’ Backside - Bay of Islands

Secret Wonderland lives up to the name, feeling like a quiet discovery rather than a major attraction. It’s a good wall dive, dropping to about 25m, with plenty of overhangs that create these lovely shadowed spots. We often find yellow-tailed fusiliers hanging out here, sometimes so thick they almost block the light. Keep an eye out for fire gobies darting about the coral, and we’ve seen some curious batfish come right up to the camera. It’s a solid pick for divers who appreciate a relaxed pace and aren’t chasing big pelagics, though the sheer quantity of cardinals and pajama cardinals is always a treat. Visibility usually sits around 25m, making for easy viewing.

Location
Bay of Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.163100, 174.339500
Type
wall

Marine Protected Area: Oke Bay

Nearby Dive Sites in Bay of Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Piercys’ Backside

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 typical diving depth and maximum depth at Piercys' Backside dive site?
The dive site at Piercys' Backside drops slowly into 90m of water, making it a deep dive site. While features like ledges at 20m and an arch at 40m are accessible, its full depth is recommended for technical divers.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Piercys' Backside?
At Piercys' Backside, divers will encounter significant underwater features such as rocky boulders, ledges at 20m, and a notable arch at 40m. The site is rich with marine life, regularly featuring schooling fish like Sweep and Pink Maomao, along with Kingfish and the occasional shark.
How challenging is the Piercys' Backside dive site, and what makes it an expert-level dive?
The Piercys' Backside dive site is generally rated as intermediate in difficulty. However, it is considered an expert-level dive for those wishing to explore its full potential, as it drops slowly into 90m of water and is specifically recommended for technical divers.
When is the best time of year to dive Piercys' Backside for optimal conditions and visibility?
The available data for Piercys' Backside does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions or visibility. For up-to-date information on seasonal conditions, we recommend checking our When to Dive guide or contacting local dive centers in the Bay of Islands.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving Piercys' Backside?
Due to its 'intermediate' difficulty rating, an Advanced Open Water certification is generally recommended for diving Piercys' Backside. For those planning to explore the deeper sections, which drop into 90m of water, specific technical diving certifications are highly recommended.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Piercys' Backside dive site?
The available data for Piercys' Backside does not provide specific details on typical current conditions or visibility. We advise divers to consult local dive operators in the Bay of Islands for the most current information before planning their dive.