Allports Island - Kaikōura

Allports Island might only hit 19 metres, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it's just a shallow splash. We love it for its sheer accessibility, especially when the weather decides to play nice. Drop in, and you're immediately greeted by the kelp forest swaying in the gentle surge, shafts of sunlight dappling through the fronds. Look closely among the holdfasts for red rock lobsters peeking out, their antennae twitching. What really makes Allports tick, though, are those deeper tubeworm structures, almost like alien sculptures rising from the silty bottom. They create fascinating little hideaways for critters. We’ve spotted ghost sharks gliding past them, and often a curious snapper will come to check you out. Visibility averages 8 metres, which is decent for Kaikōura, but it can drop after heavy rain. Our tip: go on a calm day, ideally after a few days of settled weather, for the best light and clearest water. It’s a great spot for newer divers to gain confidence in a slightly deeper environment without strong currents, and for experienced divers, it's a relaxing dive with some genuinely interesting macro potential if you take your time.

Location
Kaikōura, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-41.236200, 174.053200

Marine Protected Area: Te Mahia

Best Time to Dive in Kaikōura

The warmest water temperatures in Kaikōura occur in February, averaging 18.4°C. The coolest conditions are in September at 13.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 18.1°C
  • February: 18.4°C
  • March: 18.1°C
  • April: 17.0°C
  • May: 15.8°C
  • June: 14.6°C
  • July: 13.9°C
  • August: 13.5°C
  • September: 13.3°C
  • October: 13.7°C
  • November: 15.1°C
  • December: 16.9°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Kaikōura

Nearest Dive Centres to Allports Island

Marine Life in Kaikōura

Home to 37 recorded species including 16 reef fish, 8 sharks & rays, 4 other, 2 sea urchins, 2 hard corals, 2 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Allports Island

Based on average water temperature of 15.7°C, currents 18 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 16°C water
  • Hood & Gloves (3-5mm) - helps retain warmth
  • 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 scuba diving at Allports Island?
Allports Island offers a maximum diving depth of 19 meters, making it suitable for various dive profiles. The deep water around the island's coast is particularly well-suited for deep-dive training. Divers can explore a range of depths, from shallower areas near the shore to the deeper sections where unique tubeworm structures are found at Allports Island.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Allports Island?
Divers exploring Allports Island can expect to encounter a variety of marine life and unique underwater features. In the shallower depths closer to shore, you'll find vibrant anemones and various fish species. As you descend to deeper areas, the site reveals fascinating three-dimensional tubeworm structures that create an intriguing reef environment, making it a great spot for marine life enthusiasts.
How difficult is diving at Allports Island, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
While the official difficulty rating for Allports Island is intermediate, the site is generally considered suitable for all levels of diving. Its diverse conditions make it an excellent location, particularly for deep-dive training. Beginners can certainly enjoy the shallower areas, while more experienced divers can explore the deeper sections.
What is the best time of year to dive at Allports Island for optimal conditions?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Allports Island for optimal conditions. For more detailed information on seasonal diving conditions in the Kaikōura region, we recommend checking our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific dive certifications required or recommended for diving at Allports Island?
Given that Allports Island is suitable for all levels of diving, no specific advanced certifications are strictly required for general exploration. However, as it is frequently used for deep-dive training, divers interested in exploring the maximum depth of 19 meters or participating in such training would benefit from relevant certifications like an Advanced Open Water Diver or Deep Diver specialty. Always dive within your certification limits and comfort level.
What are the usual water conditions and currents like when diving around Allports Island?
The provided data indicates an average visibility of 8 meters at Allports Island. However, there is no specific information available regarding the usual water conditions or currents. Divers should always check local conditions and consult with dive operators in Kaikōura before planning their dive.