drift

Log This Dive

The Dog

We’re big fans of a good drift, and The Dog in the Bay of Islands delivers one of New Zealand’s best. It’s exactly what it says on the tin: a spirited ride along a colourful wall, often with visibility stretching to 50 metres, which is just glorious. The current here pulls you along, giving you time to really soak in the wall as it unfolds, packed with anemones and sponges. Our favourite part is toward the bottom, around 25-27 metres, where the wall gives way to a jumble of boulders. Look for the gorgonians and a striking black coral tree – it’s a real focal point. This is where we often see snapper and bronze whalers cruising past, drawn in by the same currents we’re enjoying. You’ll spot the usual suspects like butterfly perch and blackfin chromis darting about, but keep an eye out for larger pelagics too; the currents here can bring in trevally and kahawai in impressive schools. The Dog is a site that suits advanced divers who are comfortable with current. It’s an exciting, visually rich drift dive, showcasing the vibrant life that thrives in these moving waters. You're mostly looking outwards, letting the reef scroll past, rather than searching in cracks.