Kapiti Dive - Kaikōura
Kapiti Dive offers guided dives around Kaikōura, a spot we know well for its unique blend of kelp forests and rocky reefs. They cater to certified divers keen to explore the local environment. Expect encounters with New Zealand fur seals and a good chance of spotting dusky dolphins from the boat. It's a solid choice for those prioritising wildlife interactions over extensive coral systems.
- Location
- Kaikōura, New Zealand, Australasia
- Coordinates
- -40.908250, 174.998840
- Address
- Kapiti Road
Dive Sites Near Kapiti Dive
Kapiti Dive 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
- Dive Wellington (padi) - PADI
- GO DIVE PACIFIC
- Island Bay Divers
- 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