Sunshine Bay - Fiordland

Villablanca Wall always throws up something interesting. It's a slope, really, more than a sheer drop, but don't let that fool you. The current here keeps things clean, which means the sponges and corals are in cracking shape. We love gliding past the massive barrel sponges and the intricate basket sponges, often catching a glimpse of a sleepy tarpon tucked away. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too, like the Cherub Pygmy Angelfish darting among the coral or a Caribbean reef squid flashing colours. While you *can* fin it out from shore, we'd never recommend it. You'll spend half your bottom time getting there and back, and frankly, the entry isn't ideal. This is a boat dive, pure and simple. We usually hit it early, before the crowds, when the light catches the gorgonians just right. Visibility averages 25m, so you get a good long look at the reef structure stretching out. It's an easy drift, suitable for most divers looking for a relaxed but rewarding wall experience.

Location
Fiordland, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-45.048300, 168.622800
Type
wall

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 Sunshine 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