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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at Cray's Crack, and how deep does the wall drop?
At Cray's Crack, divers typically explore a rocky reef that slopes to about 18 meters, transitioning to a seafloor shelf at 20 meters. Beyond this, the site features a dramatic steep wall that drops off to around 80 meters in parts. While the main recreational diving depth is around 19 meters, the extensive wall offers opportunities for deeper exploration for appropriately certified divers.
What marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Cray's Crack?
Divers at Cray's Crack can expect to encounter a vibrant rocky reef, which transitions into a steep wall with a seafloor shelf. The site is particularly rich in black coral and Ecklonia kelp on the reef. You'll find a high abundance of crayfish, jock stewart, wrasses, butterfly perch, and schooling tarakihi, with occasional sightings of dogsharks and carpet sharks.
What is the difficulty level of diving at Cray's Crack, especially for the deeper sections or wall dives?
The overall difficulty level for diving at Cray's Crack is rated as intermediate. This suggests that while the site is accessible to many divers, the presence of a steep wall dropping to 80 meters and a maximum recreational depth of 19 meters means that deeper sections or extensive wall dives may require more experience or advanced certifications. Divers should be comfortable with their skills for this type of environment.
What is the best time of year or season to dive Cray's Crack for optimal conditions and marine life encounters?
Unfortunately, the provided data for Cray's Crack does not specify the best time of year or season for optimal diving conditions or marine life encounters. We recommend checking local dive operator information or our When to Dive section for general guidance on the Fiordland region.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required for diving at Cray's Crack, given its characteristics?
Given its intermediate difficulty and typical recreational depths around 19 meters, an Open Water Diver certification is generally sufficient for exploring the main reef and shelf at Cray's Crack. However, for divers wishing to explore the deeper sections of the wall that drop to 80 meters, advanced certifications such as Advanced Open Water Diver or Deep Diver specialties would be highly recommended or required. Always dive within your certification limits and comfort zone.
Are there any significant currents or specific water conditions that divers should be aware of at Cray's Crack?
The provided data for Cray's Crack does not specify any significant currents or unique water conditions beyond an average visibility of 11 meters. As with any dive site, it is always advisable to consult with local dive operators for the most current information on conditions before diving.