Dive Wellington (padi) - Kaikōura
The team at Dive Wellington (PADI) are exactly who you want when you’re looking to get serious about your diving, or just want to dip a toe in for the first time. Forget the name, they’re firmly planted in Kaikōura now, which is a huge win for anyone wanting to experience the South Island's unique coastal diving. We love that they’ve built a reputation for thorough, patient instruction. You’ll leave feeling genuinely competent, not just certified. They’re a brilliant pick if you’re eyeing up professional courses like Divemaster or even the Instructor Development Course. Their instructors don't just teach the book, they live and breathe these waters, sharing that local knowledge you can't get anywhere else. For new divers, their Learn to Dive program is solid, taking advantage of the diverse sites around Kaikōura to build skills in varying conditions. And honestly, if you’ve been out of the water for a while, their Refresher Courses are a smart move – they don’t just run through the motions, they make sure you’re comfortable and confident again before hitting those kelp forests. We’d suggest aiming for late summer or early autumn for the calmest conditions, though winter diving here, when the visibility often sharpens to a crisp 20m, is an experience in itself – just bring thicker gloves!
- Location
- Kaikōura, New Zealand, Australasia
- Coordinates
- -41.347908, 174.763140
- Phone
- +64 4 939 3483
- Website
- https://divewellington.co.nz/
- Certification Agencies
- PADI
- Courses
- Learn to Dive, Refresher Courses, Specialty Courses, Freediver Course, First Aid, Divemaster Course, Instructor Development Course, Certificate in Diving, Diploma in Scuba Instruction
- Equipment Rental
- yes
- Address
- 432, The Esplanade, Wellington, 6023
Dive Sites Near Dive Wellington (padi)
Dive Wellington (padi) 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"]
- Big Blue Dive & Fish
- Blenheim Dive Centre - ["PADI"]
- Daves’ Diving Kaikoura
- Dive HQ Wellington - ["PADI"]
- Dive Kaikoura
- 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