Marakura Bay - Fiordland

Penguin Cove, despite its name, isn't really about penguins – though we have spotted a few darting through the kelp. It’s a classic Fiordland dive: dim, dramatic, and absolutely smothered in black coral. We drop onto a shallow shelf, and from there, the whole scene just slopes into the deep, a rocky reef at a 45-degree angle that feels more like flying than swimming. The real draw here is the sheer density of life clinging to those walls. Forget your tropical expectations; this is a place of deep-water corals in relatively shallow light. Large black coral trees, some with trunks as thick as your arm, are everywhere, their branches often draped with yellow zoanthids. You'll find a surprising number of nudibranchs, tube anemones, and crayfish tucked into every crevice. We’ve seen dogsharks cruise by, and if you’re lucky, a leopard seal might make a curious pass. Visibility averages around 11 meters, which in Fiordland feels ample. It’s a dive for those who appreciate the unusual, the dark beauty of cold water, and don’t mind a bit of a chill. Come prepared for the temperature; it’s worth it.

Location
Fiordland, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-45.426400, 167.716100
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Kutu Parera (Gaer Arm)

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 Marakura Bay

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