Waiwiri Rock - Bay of Islands

Alex Place in Tayrona offers a relaxed dive, often calm enough for newer divers or those looking for an easy second tank. You’ll find healthy hard corals here, with plenty of small reef fish flitting between them – think parrotfish, damselfish, and a good chance of seeing moray eels tucked into crevices. It's a solid, unpretentious site, good for knocking off some bottom time without too much fuss.

Location
Bay of Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.192700, 174.339000
Type
pinnacle
Maximum Depth
30-35m

Marine Protected Area: Oke Bay

Nearby Dive Sites in Bay of Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Waiwiri Rock

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 typical depth range for diving at Waiwiri Rock?
Diving at Waiwiri Rock typically involves depths ranging from 30 to 35 meters. As a boulder-covered pinnacle site, divers can expect relatively constant depths within this range, offering a consistent deep diving experience.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Waiwiri Rock?
Waiwiri Rock is a fascinating boulder-covered pinnacle dive site. Divers can expect to encounter abundant schooling fish, including Trevally, Two-spot Demoiselle, and Maomao. It's also known for sightings of larger marine life, with sharks and seals occasionally making an appearance, making it a site where you truly never know what you might discover. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
What is the difficulty level for diving at Waiwiri Rock?
Diving at Waiwiri Rock is considered to be of intermediate difficulty. This is primarily due to the constant depths of 30-35 meters, which require divers to have appropriate training and experience for deeper dives.
When is the best time of year to dive Waiwiri Rock?
The provided data context does not specify the best time of year to dive Waiwiri Rock. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions in New Zealand, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What dive certifications are required or recommended for diving Waiwiri Rock?
Given the intermediate difficulty and typical depths of 30-35 meters at Waiwiri Rock, an Advanced Open Water certification or a Deep Diver specialty is highly recommended. These certifications ensure divers have the necessary training and experience to safely manage deeper profiles.
What are the typical current and sea conditions like at Waiwiri Rock?
The provided data context does not offer specific details on typical current or sea conditions at Waiwiri Rock. However, divers can generally expect an average visibility of 16 meters at this site.