Fiordland, New Zealand
    Piopiotahi

    Cray’s Crack

    Best months: Jan–May, Nov–Dec

    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 10-16°C, warmest January, February, March.

    Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Great White Sharks, Seahorses and Southern Right Whales · 46+ species recorded
    Water10-16°C · warmest January, February, March
    CharacterWreck dive
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    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.

    Safety Notes

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

    Cold water this month (avg 10°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.

    Today06:3317:1210h 39m daylightGolden hour 16:31

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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 Copernicus Marine satellite data

    August Averages

    Sea Temperature

    9.59°C

    49°F

    Current Speed

    11.4 cm/s

    Direction: NE (37.9°)

    Chlorophyll-a

    0.191 mg/m³

    Clear water

    Salinity

    34.63 PSU

    Data sources: Copernicus Marine Service (EU)

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