Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand
    Wharekawa Harbour Wildlife Refuge

    Aldermens-Middle Middle

    Best months: Jan–Apr

    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.

    Best timeJan–Apr
    WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit
    Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Hammerhead Sharks, Humpback Whales and Seahorses · 72+ species recorded
    Water15-21°C · warmest January, February, March
    CharacterReef dive
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    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.

    Today05:3918:2812h 49m daylightGolden hour 17:54

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    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)

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    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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