Aldermens-Middle Middle
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-Middle Middle offers some of Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf's richest reef diving. Water ranges 15-21°C, warmest January, February, March.
Middle Middle, tucked into the Alderman Islands, really stands out for us. It’s not about huge pelagics here, though a yellowtail or even a shortfin mako might cruise by if you’re lucky. What we love are those deep, grassy gullies. Drop down and you’re enveloped in a muted green, sunlight filtering through the kelp canopy above. It feels ancient, like a secret garden. Keep an eye out for crayfish tucked into the crevices, their antennae waving. We often spot banded morwong or the tiny, curious triplefins darting through the “grass,” which is actually a type of macroalgae. Visibility averages 14m, sometimes better, offering clear views into the topography. This site is ideal for photographers looking for something a bit different, and anyone who appreciates a tranquil, scenic dive rather than high-octane action. It’s a place to slow down and observe.
Nearest Dive Centres to Aldermens-Middle Middle
Dive shops near Aldermens-Middle Middle
Cathedral Cove Dive Ltd
Dive Zone Whitianga
Salt Aotearoa
Reviews for Aldermens-Middle Middle
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Aldermens-Middle Middle
Aldermens-Middle Middle Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Aldermens-Middle Middle, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-36.93, 175.86) (22km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
16°C
60°F · Range: 14.5–16.9°C
Current Speed
1.41 cm/s
Direction: SE (135°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.497 mg/m³
Moderate productivity
Salinity
34.91 PSU
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)
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