wall

Log This Dive

Butterfly Wall

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.