Penguin Cove - Fiordland

Seafan Valley, just off Flic en Flac, is exactly what it sounds like – a valley of seafans. We love sites that deliver on the name. Descending, you drop onto a gentle slope, maybe 16 metres, and the first thing you notice is the light. It filters down through the water, making the enormous gorgonians glow with this soft, almost ethereal quality. We've often found ourselves just hovering, watching the tiny crustaceans darting amongst the polyps. The valley itself isn't a dramatic canyon, more like a wide, sandy depression cradling these magnificent fans. Look closely, and you'll spot plenty of reef fish – Red Squirrelfish lurking in the shadows, schools of Indian Mackerel zipping past, and often an Argus Grouper or two eyeing you from a coral head. It’s not a site for big pelagics, but for macro enthusiasts and those who appreciate the quiet beauty of a healthy reef, it’s a real treat. We’d suggest going in the morning; the light is usually best then, and the visibility tends to hold stronger before any afternoon chop picks up. Max depth hits around 21 metres, so it’s perfect for all certification levels.

Location
Fiordland, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-44.600600, 167.824600
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 Penguin Cove

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