Diving in Fiordland

Explore 22 dive sites in Fiordland, New Zealand. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Fiordland

The warmest water temperatures in Fiordland occur in February, averaging 15.7°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 9.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 15.6°C
  • February: 15.7°C
  • March: 15.1°C
  • April: 13.8°C
  • May: 12.4°C
  • June: 10.8°C
  • July: 9.8°C
  • August: 9.6°C
  • September: 10.4°C
  • October: 11.2°C
  • November: 13.3°C
  • December: 14.2°C

Marine Life in Fiordland

Home to 49 recorded species including 21 reef fish, 10 sharks & rays, 9 other, 3 whales & dolphins, 3 seagrass & algae, 1 crabs & lobsters.

Recommended Packing List for Fiordland

Based on average water temperature of 12.7°C, currents 10 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 13°C water
  • Hood & Gloves (3-5mm) - helps retain warmth
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Fiordland

  • Waituna Wetlands - Scientific Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Piopiotahi - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Te Awaatu Channel - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Hawea (Clio Rocks) - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Kahukura (Gold Arm) - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Kutu Parera (Gaer Arm) - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Moana Uta (Wet Jacket Arm) - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Taipari Roa (Elizabeth Island) - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Taumoana (Five Fingers Peninsula) - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Te Tapuwae o Hua (Long Sound) - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Okahu Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
  • Pig Island - Scenic Reserve (IUCN Category III)
  • Taieri River / Island - Stewardship Area (IUCN Category III)
  • Puerua Wildlife Reserve - Stewardship Area (IUCN Category III)
  • Clutha River Mouth - Stewardship Area (IUCN Category III)
  • Open Bay Islands - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
  • Blackhead - Conservation Covenant (IUCN Category IV)
  • Breaksea Island - Specially Protected Area (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Hautai - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Tauparikākā - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)

Getting to Fiordland - Nearest Airports

  • Queenstown Airport (ZQN), Queenstown - 50 km away, approx 70 min travel time
  • Christchurch International Airport (CHC), Christchurch - 377 km away, approx 426 min travel time
  • Wanaka Airport (WKA), Wanaka - 85 km away, approx 107 min travel time

Dive Sites