Aldermens- Bishops Hat
Protected Area
Wharekawa Harbour Wildlife Refuge
Why dive here
With 72+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, hammerhead sharks, humpback whales and seahorses - Aldermens- Bishops Hat offers some of Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf's richest cave diving. Water ranges 14-22°C, warmest January, February, March.
Bishops Hat, out in the Aldermens, is a fantastic spot we always try to hit when the weather cooperates. It’s exposed to those easterlies and south-easterlies, so pick your day carefully, but when it’s good, it’s *really* good. We love dropping in here, particularly for the cave. It’s not a deep dive, peaking around 17 metres, but the way the light filters in through the entrance is just captivating. Inside the cave itself, we’ve often seen big Rig sheltering, and the walls are plastered with these colourful bristleworms that really catch your eye. Our favourite part has to be the outside wall though, where the kelp gives way to deeper water. This is where you might catch a flash of California Yellowtail or even a cruising Blue Shark if you’re lucky. We always keep an eye out for the cheeky New Zealand Draughtboard Sharks tucked into crevices. Visibility averages around 21 metres, which for New Zealand, feels like a gift. If you’re into a gentle drift, exploring some interesting rock formations, and don’t mind a bit of a boat ride, Bishops Hat is a winner. It’s a great dive for anyone comfortable with a bit of current and keen to see what the Hauraki Gulf really has to offer beyond the usual spots.
Typical Aldermens- Bishops Hat Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Overhead environment - never enter without proper cave/cavern training, redundant equipment, and a guideline.
Cold water this month (avg 14°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
Nearest Dive Centres to Aldermens- Bishops Hat
Dive shops near Aldermens- Bishops Hat
Cathedral Cove Dive Ltd
Dive Zone Whitianga
Salt Aotearoa
Reviews for Aldermens- Bishops Hat
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Aldermens- Bishops Hat
Aldermens- Bishops Hat Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Aldermens- Bishops Hat, sourced from Copernicus Marine satellite data
August Averages
Sea Temperature
14.05°C
57°F
Current Speed
4.24 cm/s
Direction: SE (135°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.301 mg/m³
Moderate productivity
Salinity
35.01 PSU
Data sources: Copernicus Marine Service (EU)
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