reef

Log This Dive

Lochmara

Lochmara, tucked away in Kaikōura, is one of those places that surprises you. Forget dramatic walls or pelagic encounters, this site is all about the little things, and a fantastic example of a conservation success story. We love seeing the ongoing work to regenerate the kelp forests; you can really see the difference it makes to the fish life. Dropping to a gentle 10 metres, the focus here is the small stuff, especially around the underwater observatory. We’ve had fantastic luck spotting olive rockfish tucked into crevices and common triplefins zipping about. Keep an eye out for the resident conger eel, he’s usually lounging under his favourite rock, looking grumpy. Visibility averages 4 metres, which sounds low, but it actually forces you to slow down and really observe. It’s a great spot for newer divers or those who prefer a relaxed pace and appreciate the smaller wonders of the temperate reef. You’ll be surrounded by schools of blue mackerel, and if you’re patient, a short-tail stingray might glide past. Above the surface, the conservation work continues, with plenty of birdlife like spotted shags and blue penguins adding to the experience.