Corinne’s Reef

Best months: Jan–Dec

Protected Area

Mangrove

Why dive here

With 165+ marine species recorded in the area - including humpback whales, sea turtles, sperm whales and whale sharks - Corinne’s Reef offers some of Mafia Island's richest reef diving. Water sits around 29°C.

Marine lifeHumpback Whales, Sea Turtles, Sperm Whales and Whale Sharks · 165+ species recorded

Water29°C · warmest January, February, March

CharacterReef dive · max 5-20m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

Haylee’s Hideout, just a quick launch from Jimmy Armers Beach, is a prime example of Kaikōura’s cooler water charm. It’s not about grand coral formations here; instead, we love the subtle beauty of a robust kelp forest swaying over rocky channels. Dropping down, you’re often greeted by a surprisingly busy scene, even with average visibility around five metres. We’ve found the best time to explore is an hour or two either side of slack tide, otherwise those currents can pick up. The real magic happens as you weave through the rock formations. Look closely and you’ll spot a collection of cold-water sponges, often vibrant oranges and purples, alongside the striking native New Zealand anemones. It’s a busy feeding ground. We’ve regularly seen schools of juvenile fish darting amongst the fronds, and if you’re patient, you might spot a Pug-nosed Eel peeking from a crevice, or a Girdled wrasse browsing the rocks. This site is perfect for divers who appreciate the intricate details of a temperate ecosystem and enjoy a relaxed, exploratory dive rather than chasing big pelagics. It’s a rewarding spot for photographers too, especially those keen on macro subjects.