The Avenues - Bay of Islands

Windmill Shallows has a character all its own, a lovely stretch of reef we often find ourselves heading back to. The reef drops from about 17 meters, then angles down gently to a maximum of 27 meters. You’re swimming through a landscape of sea plume forests, so dense in places it feels like flying over a purple-hued meadow. We love how the hard coral sections are blanketed in gorgonians, creating these textured gardens. Keep an eye on those sandy patches and underhangs; they’re often home to lobsters tucked away. Visibility here averages around 14 meters, which is decent enough to appreciate the details. We’ve seen plenty of Spotted Trunkfish picking their way across the reef, and the Simnias and Whip Coral Shrimps are a real find if you’re patient enough to spot them. On the deeper edges, we sometimes encounter schooling jacks or mackerel, especially if there’s a bit of current to liven things up. It’s a site that rewards a slow pace, perfect for divers who enjoy taking their time to observe the smaller residents and appreciate a beautiful coral scape.

Location
Bay of Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.318200, 174.330200
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Tamateatai Point

Nearby Dive Sites in Bay of Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to The Avenues

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 The Avenues dive site?
The maximum depth for diving at The Avenues is 8m. While the reef network itself extends to depths of 20m, the primary dive area is shallower, making it a great site for a range of divers.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at The Avenues?
Divers at The Avenues can explore a fascinating shallow reef network composed of channels and guts. This "fishy reef" is home to schools of common reef fish, and you might also encounter interesting species such as Crayfish and Moray Eels.
What is the difficulty level of diving at The Avenues, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Avenues is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive site. It is considered a great site for Open Water to Advanced divers, making it suitable for those with basic certification and some experience. Its shallow maximum depth of 8m contributes to its accessibility.
What is the best time of year or season to dive at The Avenues for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or season for optimal diving conditions at The Avenues. For general information on diving seasons in New Zealand, please refer to our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at The Avenues?
The Avenues is recommended for Open Water to Advanced divers. This indicates that an Open Water certification is the minimum required, with Advanced certification being beneficial for exploring the full extent of the site.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at The Avenues dive site?
Divers at The Avenues can expect an average visibility of 6m. The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical current conditions at this dive site.