Greenstone Beach - Fiordland

Le Tunnel de la Grande Vigie is a real adventure, and frankly, we love it precisely because it's not a guarantee. You're looking at a 40-minute boat ride from Port-Louis, and it's only really doable between June and October, and even then, conditions need to be just right. When they are, though, it’s worth the effort. The site itself is a journey. We start with a beautiful arch, then slip into a 20-meter tunnel. It's not a dark, claustrophobic squeeze; light filters in, illuminating the sponges and corals that plaster the walls in purples, reds, and yellows. Keep an eye out for lobsters tucked into crevices, and we’ve spotted plenty of shrimp and spider crabs scuttling about. Exiting the tunnel, you're on a vibrant reef, where barracudas often hang in the blue, and angelfish flit past. Visibility averages 15 meters, which is plenty for appreciating the scale of the formations. This spot is definitely for the diver who enjoys a bit of a chase and wants to feel like they’ve earned their dive.

Location
Fiordland, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-44.593600, 167.803300
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 Greenstone Beach

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 Greenstone Beach in Milford Sound?
Diving at Greenstone Beach typically begins at a rocky shoreline around 5 meters depth. The site features a sloping 45-degree rocky reef, allowing divers to explore down to a maximum depth of 20 meters. This makes it an excellent site for divers looking to explore a moderate depth range.
What marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Greenstone Beach?
Divers at Greenstone Beach can expect to explore a vibrant rocky reef adorned with kelp and small black coral. The diverse marine life includes octopus, wrasses, butterfly perch, Jasons nudibranch, marblefish, and eels. Keep an eye out for potential encounters with school sharks and dogsharks, adding to the excitement of this underwater ecosystem.
How challenging is diving at Greenstone Beach, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Greenstone Beach is rated as intermediate difficulty. While the site offers a rewarding experience, its conditions and features may be more challenging for absolute beginners. Divers with some experience will find it a suitable and enjoyable dive.
What is the best time of year to dive at Greenstone Beach?
The provided data context does not specify the best time of year to dive at Greenstone Beach. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in the region, please refer to our When to Dive guide.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications required to dive at Greenstone Beach?
The provided data context does not specify any particular scuba diving certifications required to dive at Greenstone Beach. As it is an intermediate site, a minimum of an Open Water certification with some experience is generally recommended. Always check with local dive operators for specific requirements.
What are the usual water conditions and currents like at Greenstone Beach for diving?
Divers at Greenstone Beach can typically expect an average visibility of 15 meters, offering clear views of the underwater landscape. The provided data context does not include specific details regarding usual water temperatures or currents at this site.