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Log This Dive

Taranaki Street Wharf Diving Platform

Okay, so you’re in Kaikōura and you’re thinking about getting wet at the Taranaki Street Wharf. We love a good shore dive, especially when it’s this accessible. Drop in, and you're straight into a surprisingly busy world. Now, it’s not a vibrant coral garden, let's be clear. This is New Zealand, so expect kelp forests swaying in the surge, especially around the pilings. We've often seen red rock lobsters peeking out from under rocks and the occasional octopus tucked away. Our favourite thing here is just how much life congregates in what looks like a fairly unassuming spot. Keep an eye out for the small stuff – those triplefins are everywhere, darting between the weeds. If you’re lucky, and we mean really lucky, you might even spot a blue shark passing through further out, though that's a rare treat. We’d suggest a slow dive, poking into every nook. This spot is fantastic for a relaxed dive when you don't want the fuss of a boat. Perfect for practicing skills or for when you just need to get underwater for an hour. It’s a low-key dive, but one that consistently delivers interesting encounters.