The Sisters - Bay of Islands

Fury Shoal isn't just one site, it’s a whole system, and our pick is absolutely the Abu Galawa wreck. It's not some grand, intact vessel; instead, it’s the remains of a tugboat, smashed across a shallow reef top at about 12 meters. We love diving it because it feels like exploring a puzzle, pieces scattered and overgrown. The engine block is the most recognisable part, encrusted with so much soft coral it looks like a living sculpture. You swim through these corridors of wreckage, where schools of fusiliers are so thick they momentarily block the light. Look closely and you’ll find nudibranchs clinging to the metal, and we often spot pipefish tucked into the crevices. It’s a site that rewards slow exploration, letting your eyes adjust to the details rather than rushing through. This wreck is perfect for divers who appreciate the way marine life reclaims man-made objects, creating a beautiful, chaotic ecosystem on a relatively easy, shallow dive.

Location

Bay of Islands, New Zealand, Australasia

Coordinates

-35.179100, 174.295500

Type

wreck

Marine Protected Area: Oke Bay