Old Wharf - Kaikōura

Roccadilly sits just a ten-minute boat ride from Boca Chica, tucked into the lagoon. It’s a comfortable dive, topping out around 21 meters, making it a good choice if you're just starting out or prefer a more relaxed pace. We often spot plenty of French grunts and angelfish, with barber and blue doctorfish darting through the coral. Keep an eye out for yellowhead jawfish peeking from their burrows. Visibility averages around 15 meters, so it’s easy to take in the large sponges that sometimes house a king crab or two.

Location
Kaikōura, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-42.417200, 173.708000
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Armers Beach

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

Nearby Dive Sites in Kaikōura

Nearest Dive Centres to Old Wharf

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 Species

Recommended Packing List for Old Wharf

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at Old Wharf?
The Old Wharf dive site offers a maximum depth of 8 meters, making it a relatively shallow and accessible dive. This depth range is ideal for exploring the rocky reef environment.
What kind of marine life and underwater structures can divers expect to see at Old Wharf?
Divers at Old Wharf can explore a vibrant rocky reef, which provides a perfect climate for diverse marine life. You can expect to encounter the native Blue Moki, commonly spot reef octopus, and find abundant Crayfish. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is the Old Wharf dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Old Wharf dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. While not suitable for absolute beginners, divers with some experience will find it a rewarding site to explore.
What are the best times of year or day to dive at Old Wharf for optimal conditions?
Specific information regarding the best times of year or day for optimal diving conditions at Old Wharf is not available in our current data. We recommend checking local dive conditions before planning your trip. For general advice on dive planning, see our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Old Wharf?
Our current data does not specify particular scuba diving certifications required for the Old Wharf dive site. However, given its intermediate difficulty rating, it is generally recommended that divers possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. Always consult with local dive operators for specific requirements.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like at Old Wharf?
At Old Wharf, divers can expect an average visibility of 4 meters. While specific details on typical current conditions are not provided in our data, it's always wise to check with local dive centers for real-time updates before your dive.