Cray’s Crack - Fiordland

Steaming into Neiafu Harbour, you’d never guess the Clan McWilliam lies just off Koko Bay. She's a fantastic wreck, sunk on Christmas Day 1927, and what a history she has. At 127 metres long, this steel copra freighter still feels massive even at a max depth of 28 metres. We love dropping onto the stern, swimming past the enormous rudder, and then heading towards the bow. The cargo holds are open, so you can poke your head in and imagine her laden with copra, while schools of fusiliers now mill about where the cargo once sat. Visibility averages about 12 metres, which honestly, just adds to the atmosphere, giving the wreck a proper sense of scale and age. Look closely for the smaller stuff – we’ve found ghost pipefish tucked into the coral, and the anemones are often home to glass shrimps. The sheer volume of fish is impressive, with barracuda patrolling the mast and batfish gliding over the decks. Our favourite part has to be the night dive; the fluorescent corals glow under a torch, and you’ll spot sleeping parrotfish or hunting morays. The Clan McWilliam isn't a high-adrenaline drift, but a leisurely, explorative dive that rewards patience and a keen eye. She’s perfect for anyone wanting a relaxed, historically rich wreck experience.

Location
Fiordland, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-44.601200, 167.835700
Type
wreck

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 Cray’s Crack

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