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HMNZS Waikato wreck

Dropping down onto the HMNZS Waikato, you immediately feel the scale of her. This isn't just a pile of metal, it’s a proper ship, though now split into two main sections. We love following the sheer length of her hull, often shadowed by schools of blue maomao so thick they ripple like a living curtain. The deck guns are still there, overgrown with soft corals, and it’s always fun to poke around the bridge or the engine room, even with the bow section having snapped off from the stern. You’ll definitely be greeted by inquisitive snapper and, if you’re lucky, a big yellowtail kingfish might cruise by, inspecting your bubbles. She lies at a comfortable 27 metres, making for a good long dive. Visibility averages around 11 metres, which is decent for a wreck and often creates a wonderfully atmospheric gloom around the deeper sections. Currents can pick up here, especially around the Poor Knights, so check with your dive operator about conditions. Our favourite part is lingering on the main deck, imagining the ship's active days while watching the countless triplefins dart through the new growth. This wreck suits divers who appreciate history and enjoy exploring large structures, rather than just drifting past a reef.