Blue Cod Point - Kaikōura

Dredger Rock sits just a short hop from Beau Vallon, a quick ten-minute boat ride that often feels even shorter when the sun’s out. We moor directly onto the wreck, which means no faffing about with drift lines or navigating currents before you're ready. The ship rests on a sandy bottom, flat on its side at a maximum of 24 metres, though we usually find the best bits are around 19m. What makes Dredger Rock a standout for us isn't its size, but how utterly colonised it is. The wreck structure itself is quite broken, but that provides endless nooks for life to hide. Expect to see big schools of yellow snapper moving like a single organism, and we’ve often spotted stonefish blending perfectly into the metalwork. Our favourite find here has to be the pipefish, sometimes in pairs, swaying gently with the surge. Visibility averages 13 metres, which is often plenty to appreciate the scale. Keep an eye out just off the wreck into the sand; we've seen white-tip reef sharks cruising past, and once, a guitarfish glided by, a real treat. It’s a site that rewards slow exploration, peering into every shadowy corner, perfect for photographers or anyone who likes to linger.

Location
Kaikōura, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-41.039700, 174.189700
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Titi Island

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 Blue Cod Point

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 Blue Cod Point

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