Fiordland, New Zealand
    Piopiotahi

    Cray’s Crack

    Best months: Jan–Mar

    Protected Area

    Piopiotahi

    Why dive here

    With 46+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, great white sharks, seahorses and southern right whales - Cray’s Crack offers some of Fiordland's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 12-17°C, warmest January, February, March.

    Best timeJan–Mar
    WetsuitA 7mm wetsuit with a hood
    Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Great White Sharks, Seahorses and Southern Right Whales · 46+ species recorded
    Water12-17°C · warmest January, February, March
    CharacterWreck dive
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    Cray’s Crack in Fiordland, it’s a site that really delivers on that true New Zealand vibe. We love dropping into the cool, dark water, the kelp stalks swaying above like a curtain. The real show starts at about 10 meters, where the rocky slope transforms into a proper wall. This isn't your vibrant tropical reef, but the colours here are subtler, deeper – the glow of orange zoanthids, the deep purple of kina, and of course, the famed black coral. We’ve found the best time to visit is often on an overcast day; the ambient light filtering through makes the black coral truly pop. Keep an eye out for those big crayfish tucked into crevices – they’re everywhere here, giving the site its name. Our favourite moments have been spotting schools of butterfly perch flitting amongst the coral branches and watching lazy dogsharks cruise by. The visibility can be hit or miss, usually around 10-12m, but it only adds to the moody, mysterious feel. It’s a straightforward dive to about 18m, making it a great pick for intermediate divers looking for that classic Fiordland experience without extreme depths or currents.

    Safety Notes

    Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

    Cold water this month (avg 12°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.

    Today05:0518:0813h 3m daylightGolden hour 17:29

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Cray’s Crack

    Cray’s Crack Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Cray’s Crack, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-44.66, 167.9) (28km away)

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    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    12°C

    54°F · Range: 11.5–13.4°C

    Current Speed

    11.4 cm/s

    Direction: NE (37.9°)

    Chlorophyll-a

    0.27 mg/m³

    Clear water

    Salinity

    34.67 PSU

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)

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