Waitete Bay - Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

The Alcione C is one of our favourite Corsican wrecks, a cargo ship lying broken on the seabed. She’s a proper exploration dive, with big chunks of hull, twisted metal, and machinery scattered across the sand. We always head straight for the bow, which points defiantly upwards, then work our way back through the debris field. You’ll spot plenty of resident scorpionfish lurking in crevices, and often schools of barracuda hanging motionless above the main structure. It’s a dive for those who enjoy piecing together a story as they go, imagining the ship's final moments. This isn't a pristine, intact wreck, but that's precisely why we love it – it feels more like an archaeological site, colonised by damselfish and moray eels. Visibility here can vary, but on a good day, the Mediterranean light filtering through the wreckage is just beautiful.

Location
Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.666200, 175.440100
Type
wreck

Wreck History - Waitete Bay

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.

Marine Protected Area: Te Matuku

Best Time to Dive in Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

The warmest water temperatures in Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf occur in February, averaging 22.4°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 14.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 21.4°C
  • February: 22.4°C
  • March: 21.8°C
  • April: 19.8°C
  • May: 17.4°C
  • June: 15.3°C
  • July: 14.1°C
  • August: 14.1°C
  • September: 14.7°C
  • October: 16.3°C
  • November: 18.5°C
  • December: 20.3°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

Nearest Dive Centres to Waitete Bay

Marine Life in Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf

Home to 77 recorded species including 43 reef fish, 11 sharks & rays, 3 whales & dolphins, 3 crabs & lobsters, 3 other, 3 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Waitete Bay

Based on average water temperature of 18.0°C, currents 2 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 18°C water
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at Waitete Bay?
The bay at Waitete Bay has a gently sloping bottom, slowly getting deeper. Divers can expect a maximum depth of 8 meters. This shallow depth makes it an accessible and enjoyable site for various skill levels.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Waitete Bay?
Divers at Waitete Bay will explore a gently sloping bottom, primarily sandy and a little silty, with occasional small rocky areas. While marine life isn't abundant, you might spot scallops, small variable fish, hermit crabs, stargazers, and small snapper. The average visibility is around 4 meters.
How would you rate the difficulty level for diving at Waitete Bay, is it suitable for beginners?
The difficulty level for diving at Waitete Bay is rated as intermediate. However, with generally easy entry/exit and a usually very calm bay, it can be suitable for beginners under proper supervision or with some prior experience. Its shallow maximum depth of 8 meters also contributes to its accessibility.
What are the best times of year or seasons to go diving at Waitete Bay for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best times of year or seasons for optimal diving conditions at Waitete Bay. However, the bay is usually very calm and sheltered from all winds except westerlies, suggesting that conditions are generally favorable unless strong westerlies are present. For more general information on seasonal diving, you can visit our When to Dive page.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Waitete Bay?
The provided data does not specify any particular scuba diving certifications required to dive at Waitete Bay. Given its maximum depth of 8 meters and intermediate difficulty, a basic open water certification is generally sufficient for most shallow dives. Always ensure you are diving within your certification limits and comfort level.
What are the typical current and water conditions like for diving in Waitete Bay?
Divers at Waitete Bay can typically expect very calm water conditions, as the bay is well-sheltered from all wind directions except strong westerlies. The average visibility is around 4 meters. It's important to note that this can be a popular boat destination, so always remember to bring a dive flag for safety.