Bushett Shoals
Protected Area
Hikurangi
Why dive here
With 35+ marine species recorded in the area - including humpback whales, seahorses and sperm whales - Bushett Shoals offers some of Kaikōura's richest diving. Water ranges 10-17°C, warmest January, February, March.
Bushett Shoals offers a different kind of dive in Kaikōura, a bit more exposed than the typical reef sites. We've found the rock formations here interesting, often with kelp forests swaying in the current. You’ll usually spot butterfish, blue cod, and sometimes playful seals, especially if you’re patient. It’s a good spot for divers looking for a slightly more rugged experience and a change of scenery from the inshore dives.
Safety Notes
Cold water this month (avg 12°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Bushett Shoals
Bushett Shoals Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Bushett Shoals, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-42.41, 173.71) (50km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
12°C
54°F · Range: 10.8–14.6°C
Current Speed
14.42 cm/s
Direction: SW (213.7°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.413 mg/m³
Moderate productivity
Salinity
35.08 PSU
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)
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