Walk the Dog Wall - Fiordland

The Alexandria is a deep wreck site in the Ontario Great Lakes, best suited for experienced divers comfortable with cold water and limited visibility. It's a wooden steamer, remarkably intact for its age, resting in roughly 30 metres of water. We've found the penetration to be a highlight here, offering glimpses into her past through visible machinery and cargo holds. Expect to share the wreck with large lake trout and burbot, especially in the cooler months.

Location
Fiordland, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-44.606100, 167.859400
Type
wall
Maximum Depth
15-40m

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 Walk the Dog Wall

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 depth range for diving at Walk the Dog Wall?
Divers at Walk the Dog Wall can typically expect to explore depths ranging from 15 to 40 meters. While the towering cliff extends to at least 80 meters, the primary features for recreational diving are found within this intermediate depth range. This makes it an exciting wall dive for those comfortable with deeper profiles.
What kind of marine life and corals can divers expect to see at Walk the Dog Wall?
At Walk the Dog Wall, divers will encounter a fascinating array of marine life and corals. You can expect to see large black coral and some red coral, particularly in overhangs, along with tube anemones on ledges. The site is also frequented by dogsharks and boasts large schools of butterfly perch, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting.
How challenging is the Walk the Dog Wall dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Walk the Dog Wall is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site, making it an extreme wall dive. Due to its nature and the depths involved (15-40m), it is generally not suitable for beginner divers. Divers should have appropriate experience and certifications to safely enjoy this challenging environment.
What are the best times of year or conditions to dive at Walk the Dog Wall to avoid strong currents?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best times of year or particular conditions to dive at Walk the Dog Wall to avoid strong currents. We recommend checking local dive conditions and forecasts closer to your planned dive date for the most up-to-date information. For general guidance on planning your dives, you can visit our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required for diving at Walk the Dog Wall?
Given that Walk the Dog Wall is an intermediate difficulty dive site, it is highly recommended that divers possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. This ensures you have the necessary skills and experience for deeper wall dives and varying conditions. Always consult with a local dive operator regarding specific requirements before planning your dive.
What are the typical current conditions at Walk the Dog Wall, and is it usually a drift dive?
The provided data does not offer specific details regarding the typical current conditions at Walk the Dog Wall, nor does it indicate if it is usually a drift dive. As an intermediate wall dive, currents can sometimes be a factor in such environments. It's always best to check with local dive centers or guides for real-time current information before planning your dive.