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Log This Dive

Aldermens- Fish Factory

The Aldermens, and the Fish Factory site in particular, are a bit of a commitment to reach from Goat Island, but we think it’s absolutely worth the boat ride. Once you’re in, it’s a site that keeps your attention. You drop onto a wall that feels like it just keeps going, then a separate pinnacle rises up from the depths, forming a playground of ledges and overhangs. This is a site for divers who appreciate the subtle details and are comfortable with a bit of depth. We love drifting along the wall, keeping an eye out for the New Zealand Draughtboard Sharks tucked into crevices. The currents here can push you along nicely, but they also bring in the bigger stuff – we’ve seen Shortfin Makos here, though you have to be lucky and quick to spot them. Our favourite part is definitely the pinnacle; the pink maomao schooling there are just beautiful, and the way the light filters through them is something special. Keep an eye on your depth here, it’s easy to get distracted and go a bit deeper than planned as you explore.