Big Blue Dive & Fish - Kaikōura
Big Blue Dive & Fish in Kaikōura is your straightforward choice for getting in the water here. We’ve found they’re particularly strong on the logistics side – reliable tank fills are a given, and their local knowledge of the Kaikōura coastline is exactly what you want when tackling these cooler waters. If you’re looking to shore dive some of the sheltered spots, or need a recommendation for charter fishing, their team usually has a good line on conditions. It’s a solid pick for divers who appreciate no-fuss service and experienced local advice.
- Location
- Kaikōura, New Zealand, Australasia
- Coordinates
- -41.265167, 173.278000
- Phone
- +64 3 546 7411
- [email protected]
- Website
- https://www.bigbluediveandfish.co.nz/
- Address
- Akersten Street, Nelson, 7010
- Price Range
- premium
Dive Sites Near Big Blue Dive & Fish
Big Blue Dive & Fish provides access to 15 dive sites in Kaikōura.
- Allports Island (cenote)
- Allports Island
- Barney’s Rock (reef)
- Barney’s Rock
- Barneys Rock
- Barrett Reef (reef)
- Baxter’s Reef - 5-15m (reef)
- Baxter’s Reef (reef)
- Blue Cod Point (wreck)
- Blue Cod Point (wall)
- Bushett Shoals
- Double Cove Marine Reserve (reef)
- F69 (wreck)
- Flea Bay (reef)
- Go Dive Pacific
Other Dive Centres in Kaikōura
- Abyss Dive - ["PADI"]
- Blenheim Dive Centre - ["PADI"]
- Daves’ Diving Kaikoura
- Dive HQ Wellington - ["PADI"]
- Dive Kaikoura
- Dive Wellington (padi) - PADI
- GO DIVE PACIFIC
- Island Bay Divers
- Kapiti Dive
- New Zealand Sea Adventures - ["PADI"]
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
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 Marine Life
- Red Rock Lobster (Jasus edwardsii) - Crabs & Lobsters
- Sandperch (Parapercis colias) - Reef Fish
- Snapper (Pagrus auratus) - Reef Fish
- Cape Shark (Squalus acanthias) - Sharks & Rays
- Rig (Galeorhinus galeus) - Sharks & Rays
- dory (Zeus faber) - Reef Fish
- Bluefin Gurnard (Chelidonichthys kumu) - Reef Fish
- Light-bulb sea squirt (Clavelina lepadiformis)
- Ribbonfish (Lepidopus caudatus) - Reef Fish
- Sea potato (Echinocardium cordatum) - Sea Urchins
Recommended Packing List for Kaikōura
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