Log This Dive

Allports Island

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.