Waitete Bay
Protected Area
Te Matuku
Why dive here
With 72+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, hammerhead sharks, humpback whales and seahorses - Waitete Bay offers some of Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 15-21°C, warmest January, February, March.
Waitete Bay isn’t a site for the big pelagics or technicolor reefs, and we love it for that. This is proper muck diving, New Zealand style, where the real treasures hide in plain sight on the sand and silt. We typically drop in from the shore, wading out past the gentle lapping waves – it’s an easy entry, just watch your step on the occasional patch of rock. Once you’re down, it’s all about slowing right down. Visibility usually hovers around 4 meters, sometimes a little more, so you’re really focusing on that immediate foreground. We’ve spent hours here just watching big-belly seahorses sway in the calm water, practically invisible until you’re right on them. Keep an eye out for Lemon Soles perfectly camouflaged against the bottom, or the comical Stargazers peeking up from the sand. It’s a photographer’s dream if you’re into macro and don’t mind getting up close and personal with the sediment. Our best tip? Go slow, look hard, and embrace the subtle beauty. If you're after a relaxing dive without strong currents, and enjoy the thrill of finding small, unusual critters, Waitete Bay is a fantastic choice.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Waitete Bay Wreck History
Year Sunk
2003
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
scuttled
Unlike the historic warships that dot the Mediterranean, the Alcione C is a modern wreck with a clear purpose: to create a spectacular artificial reef. This former cement carrier was carefully prepared and deliberately scuttled in 2003, settling upright on a sandy bottom just off the Corsican coast. Her clean and accessible structure makes her an ideal training ground for aspiring wreck divers and a fascinating playground for photographers.
Divers can explore the open cargo holds, the bridge, and the main superstructure, all of which have been colonized by a vibrant array of marine life. Schools of damselfish and bream swarm the decks, while moray eels and congers have taken up residence in the ship's pipework. The clear waters and relatively shallow depth of the main deck make the Alcione C a rewarding and accessible dive that perfectly showcases how a man-made structure can become a thriving natural habitat.
Nearest Dive Centres to Waitete Bay
Dive shops near Waitete Bay
Salt Aotearoa
Dive Zone Whitianga
Cathedral Cove Dive Ltd
Reviews for Waitete Bay
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Waitete Bay
Waitete Bay Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Waitete Bay, 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)
Plan & book
Ways to dive Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, from day trips to liveaboards.
Day trips & courses
via GetYourGuideGuided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.
Find dive trips in Goat Island & Hauraki GulfPlaces to stay
via Booking.comHotels and dive resorts near Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf.
Search stays in Goat Island & Hauraki GulfDive insurance
Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.
Dive insurance explainedPartner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money
Where to Stay near Waitete Bay
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.