Dive HQ Wellington

Kaikōura, New Zealand

The team at Dive HQ Wellington, despite the name, are your go-to in Kaikōura. They’re PADI 5 Star IDC specialists, which means if you’re looking to go pro, or just want seriously solid instruction, these are your people. We love that they run club dives every Thursday evening – a real community vibe, and a great way to meet local divers if you’re new to the area. Kaikōura diving itself is pretty unique. Think kelp forests, playful dusky dolphins, and the chance of a seal cruising past, all against a backdrop of those dramatic southern alps. We’ve had some cracking dives out there, particularly around the Kaikōura Peninsula where the reef drops away, opening up some cool wall dives. Visibility can vary, often hovering around 10-15 metres, but when the sun breaks through the kelp canopy, it's just magic. Our favourite tip? Chat with the Dive HQ crew about the best time for crayfish; there’s nothing quite like a fresh catch after a chilly dive. They know these waters inside and out, and that local knowledge is invaluable.