cave

Log This Dive

Paia Point

Paia Point, right on the edge of the Hikurangi Marine Reserve, is a site we keep coming back to, despite its quirks. You’re looking at a maximum depth of 11m, which means plenty of bottom time, and frankly, a bit of a workout getting there. The shore entry is a scramble over slippery rocks, and that 20-minute surface swim can feel like a marathon when the swell picks up. We’d suggest saving this one for a calm day, or you'll regret it. But here’s the payoff: once you drop down, even with Kaikōura’s typical 4m visibility, the place is buzzing. You'll find yourself sharing the water with playful New Zealand fur seals and, if you’re lucky, dusky dolphins zipping past in the blue. Our favourite part has to be spotting the paua spider crabs clambering over the rocks, and there are always common and striped triplefins darting about in the crevices. Keep an eye out for greenbone, too; they're surprisingly common here. It’s definitely a spot for those who appreciate the hunt for smaller, unique critters and don't mind a bit of an adventure to get there.