Putahataha Island - Bay of Islands

Spaghetti is a curious spot, a single pinnacle rising from the flat sandy bottom of Bayes Lagoon. It’s not about dramatic drop-offs or swim-throughs here, but rather a focused dive on a surprisingly rich, isolated feature. We love the sheer density of soft corals; the ‘spaghetti’ part comes from the long, flowing polyps of the *Sarcophyton* leather corals that absolutely carpet the top. It feels like diving into a shag carpet sometimes. Visibility usually hovers around 12 meters, so it’s not always crystal clear, but that just adds to the intimate feel. Our favourite game is spotting the tiny residents, like the Acropora Coral Crabs tucked into their hosts, or the various gobies and Zanzibar shrimps. Keep an eye out for larger pelagics too – we've seen dorado and jacks cruise by, drawn to the pinnacle like a magnet in the otherwise open water. It’s a photographer’s delight for macro, but equally rewarding for anyone who enjoys a slow, deliberate exploration rather than a high-octane drift.

Location
Bay of Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.192100, 174.293200
Type
pinnacle

Marine Protected Area: Oke Bay

Nearby Dive Sites in Bay of Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Putahataha Island

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 for diving at Putahataha Island?
The maximum depth for diving at Putahataha Island is 17m. Divers can explore the rocky kelpy reef which starts around 10m and gradually deepens.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Putahataha Island?
Divers at Putahataha Island can expect to encounter a vibrant rocky kelpy reef and a notable underwater cavern, approximately 5m wide at its entrance. The effects of the rahui are evident in the abundance of marine life, including big snapper, various reef fish, mottled, mosaic and yellow moray, large packhorse crayfish, and nudibranchs. For more information on species, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the diving at Putahataha Island, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Putahataha Island is rated as intermediate difficulty. This suggests it may not be ideal for absolute beginner divers without supervision or additional training. Divers should possess adequate experience and skills for this site.
When is the best time of year to dive Putahataha Island for optimal conditions or specific marine sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Putahataha Island for optimal conditions or specific marine sightings. For general guidance on dive seasons in the region, you may consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Putahataha Island, especially for exploring its caves?
The provided data does not specify the exact scuba diving certifications required to dive at Putahataha Island, nor for exploring its underwater cavern. Divers should always ensure they have the appropriate certification level for the depth and conditions of any dive site.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like when diving around Putahataha Island?
Divers at Putahataha Island can typically expect an average visibility of 12m. However, the provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical current conditions at this dive site.