Bay of Islands, New Zealand
    Motupapa Island

    The Brothers

    Best months: Jan–Mar

    Protected Area

    Motupapa Island

    Why dive here

    With 163+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, blue whales, dolphins, great white sharks and hammerhead sharks - The Brothers offers some of Bay of Islands's richest diving. Water ranges 16-22°C, warmest January, February, March.

    Best timeJan–Mar
    WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit
    Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Blue Whales, Dolphins, Great White Sharks and Hammerhead Sharks · 163+ species recorded
    Water16-22°C · warmest January, February, March
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    The Brothers, tucked away in the Bay of Islands, is one of those sites we always try to hit when we're up north. It’s not just a big wall dive; it’s a series of pinnacles and crevices that really rewards a slow exploration. We love dropping down into the gutters, feeling the slight surge, then popping out onto a ledge to find a banded morwong staring us down. Visibility can swing, but on a good day, you'll see schools of luculentus wrasse flickering through the kelp, their electric blue almost too bright. Keep an eye out for Southern Eagle Rays gliding past in the blue, especially if there's a gentle current running. Our favourite part is poking into the smaller caves, shining a torch to spot green rock lobsters tucked away, their antennae twitching. It’s a site that appeals to photographers looking for characterful macro and wide-angle scenes alike, and anyone who appreciates a dive that feels a bit more rugged and untamed. Just be ready for cooler water; a good 7mm suit is your friend here.

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for The Brothers

    The Brothers Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for The Brothers, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-35.24, 174.22) (2km away)

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    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    16°C

    61°F · Range: 14.9–16.8°C

    Air Temperature

    16°C

    60°F

    Wind Speed

    7.43 m/s

    14.4 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1019.1 hPa

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

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