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Taurikura

Taurikura, near Whangarei, is one of those spots that often gets overlooked by divers heading for the big names. We actually really like it for a relaxed dip, especially if you're dialling in some skills. It's a proper shallow site, topping out at six metres, and yes, it does get busy with boats sometimes, but don't let that put you off. Visibility usually sits around three metres, so it's not a wide-angle dream, but that intimacy forces you to slow down and really look. We’ve had some great encounters here with octopus, tucked away in crevices, and plenty of small snapper darting through the kelp. You'll often spot flounder nestled on the sand, almost disappearing until they twitch, and the occasional stingray cruises by, a shadow in the murk. For a shallow training dive, or just a lazy afternoon bob, Taurikura offers a surprising amount of life if you take your time.