Butterfly Wall - Fiordland

Butterfly Wall, nestled deep in the fiords, has a real sense of being somewhere wild and untouched. We usually drop into a calm cove, the stony sand gradually giving way to rock, and from there, the wall just drops away. It's not a deep dive, maxing out at about 19m, but that’s plenty to explore the dense kelp forests and the big schools of butterfly perch that give the place its name. They truly are everywhere, shimmering orange and yellow, often so thick they dim the light filtering down from the surface. Visibility here averages around 11m, which might not sound like much, but in Fiordland's green-blue light, it feels perfectly clear. As you cruise along the wall, keep an eye out for the small, delicate black corals clinging to the darker overhangs – a real treat to spot. We often find red rock lobster tucked into crevices, their antennae waving gently. It’s a site that really makes you feel like you’re exploring, perfect for divers who appreciate the unique, cooler water ecosystems and don’t mind a bit of a journey to get there.

Location
Fiordland, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-44.609200, 167.835900
Type
wall
Maximum Depth
15-40m

Marine Protected Area: Piopiotahi

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

Nearby Dive Sites in Fiordland

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.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Butterfly Wall

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at Butterfly Wall?
The Butterfly Wall dive site offers a maximum depth of 19m. It begins in a sheltered cove with a gently sloping stoney sandy bottom, transitioning into a rocky sandy reef before becoming a steep wall dive on both sides.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to see at Butterfly Wall?
Divers at Butterfly Wall can explore a diverse underwater topography, starting from a gently sloping stoney sandy bottom in a sheltered cove, transitioning to a rocky sandy reef, and then into a steep wall dive. The site is dominated by lush kelp forests and large schools of butterfly perch, alongside various wrasses. Keep an eye out for small black coral formations found on the wall aspects.
How challenging is the Butterfly Wall dive site, and what skill level is recommended?
The Butterfly Wall dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. This means it is recommended for divers who have some experience beyond entry-level certifications and are comfortable with wall diving techniques.
When is the best time of year to dive Butterfly Wall for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify a particular best time of year for optimal diving conditions at Butterfly Wall. For general information on seasonal diving in the region, we recommend consulting our When to Dive guide for New Zealand.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive Butterfly Wall?
Given its intermediate difficulty, divers exploring Butterfly Wall are recommended to hold certifications beyond basic Open Water, such as Advanced Open Water or equivalent. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and experience for wall diving and navigating depths up to 19m.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at Butterfly Wall?
Divers at Butterfly Wall can typically expect an average visibility of 11m. Information regarding typical current conditions at this specific site is not available in the provided data.