Harrison Cove
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 - Harrison Cove offers some of Fiordland's richest reef diving. Water ranges 12-17°C, warmest January, February, March.
Harrison Cove feels like diving into another world. We love the way the light filters down through the tannin-stained water, giving everything a moody, ethereal glow. It’s certainly not your typical coral reef dive; instead, think dramatic rock walls, a gravelly slope giving way to silty sand, and the striking black coral, which actually appears white or pale yellow under your torch beam. Keep an eye out for dogsharks cruising through the murk, or maybe even a seven-gill if you’re lucky – a real thrill. The swarms of squat lobsters clinging to the rocks are a constant, fascinating distraction. Visibility averages around 11 metres, which frankly, feels generous when you’re down there, but it adds to the mysterious atmosphere. We'd suggest going slow, really letting your eyes adjust to the soft light and looking into every crevice. This site suits divers who appreciate the unique, the slightly eerie, and those keen to see some truly distinctive Fiordland marine life in an unforgettable setting.
Safety Notes
Cold water this month (avg 12°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
Reviews for Harrison Cove
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Harrison Cove
Harrison Cove Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Harrison Cove, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-44.66, 167.9) (28km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
12°C
54°F · Range: 11.5–13.4°C
Current Speed
11.4 cm/s
Direction: NE (37.9°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.27 mg/m³
Clear water
Salinity
34.67 PSU
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)
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