Log This Dive

North Shore Canoe Club

Alright, North Shore Canoe Club. We know what you’re thinking: "A canoe club? Really?" But hear us out. This spot, tucked away in the Hauraki Gulf, has a surprising amount going for it if you're into something a bit different. Forget your technicolour coral. Here, the charm is in the unexpected. You gear up on the docks, which is pretty straightforward, then slip into the water. The first thing you'll notice are the thick aquatic reeds in the shallows, almost like an underwater meadow. We love poking around here; it’s a nursery for all sorts of juvenile fish and we've even spotted freshwater eels tucked amongst the stalks. Follow the rocky ridge gently sloping down, and you’ll hit the muddy bottom where, yes, visibility can drop, especially in summer with those thermoclines. But that’s when you slow right down and start looking for the small stuff. We've seen Black Stingrays gliding along the bottom and delicate White-striped Anemones clinging to the rocks. It’s a site that rewards patience, perfect for macro lovers or anyone keen to see the overlooked side of New Zealand's underwater world. It’s not for the faint of heart, or those chasing big pelagics, but for a quiet afternoon of exploring the overlooked, it’s our pick.