Dale Green - Fiordland

Hommer Reef is one of those spots that just keeps giving, especially when the current isn’t ripping through. We usually drop in just off the pinnacle, which breaks the surface, then let the cone-shaped reef guide us down to around 23 metres. It’s an easy circumnavigation if conditions are calm, perfect for really taking your time. The schooling fish here are what we love most. Think thick clouds of blue maomao, trevally, and kahawai, sometimes so dense they dim the light filtering down from the surface. Keep an eye out into the blue for kingfish cruising by, they often appear out of nowhere. We’ve even had a few fleeting glimpses of short-tail stingrays on the sand patches at the base. For a relatively shallow pinnacle dive, Hommer packs a punch, suiting divers who appreciate big fish action and an easygoing reef exploration. It’s our pick for a relaxing dive with plenty to see without needing to go deep.

Location
Fiordland, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-44.598600, 167.805500
Type
reef

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 Dale Green

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 diving depth at Dale Green, and how deep do the walls extend?
At Dale Green, the typical maximum diving depth for recreational divers is 20 meters, offering a great range for exploration. However, the impressive walls at the site extend much deeper, dropping to 80 meters depth close to shore.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Dale Green?
Divers at Dale Green can expect a varied site featuring both reef and steep wall aspects, with impressive large black coral trees and red coral colonies in overhangs. The abundant marine life includes sharks, rays, octopus, wrasses, butterfly perch, marblefish, a variety of nudibranch, yellow zooanthids, and more. For further details on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Dale Green dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Dale Green dive site is rated as **intermediate** in difficulty. While it offers a rewarding experience, it may not be ideal for absolute beginner divers due to its varied features and wall aspects. Divers should possess some experience to comfortably navigate the site.
When is the best time of year to dive at Dale Green for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive at Dale Green for optimal conditions and marine encounters is not available in the current data. For general guidance on dive seasons, you can explore our When to Dive section.
What level of diving certification or experience is recommended for diving at Dale Green?
Given its **intermediate** difficulty rating, Dale Green is recommended for divers with some prior experience and appropriate certification beyond entry-level. This ensures divers can safely and confidently explore the site's varied reef and wall features.
What are the typical water conditions, currents, and visibility like at the Dale Green dive site?
At the Dale Green dive site, divers can typically expect an average visibility of 13 meters. Specific details regarding water temperature or typical current conditions are not provided in the available data.