TBA Information courtesy of IGFA. White Island. Yep, there are only five of us on the boat today and that folks, is the beauty of travelling in the shoulder season! No fish were harmed during the making of this NZPocketGuide.com story). Tui Wreck. Make sure you BYO snorkelling gear and picnic because there are no shops on this secluded island. Location: Bay of Islands, The Canterbury. We have two clubs within our program, Diving Waitakere and North Harbour Diving. Depth 6-25m, Check sea and weather conditions before entering the water. Kiwi Scuba Divers are a full service dive shop located only 20 minutes north of Auckland just off the motorway for easy access, so drop in on your way north and avoid all the traffic of central Auckland. What a surreal experience - especially at night in pitch black water. You'd only find this beach if you knew it was there (i.e., were from the area or were at the regional park). var el = $(this); This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. }); [the_image_caption][post_intro][post_acf_fields] [nz_voting] [where_to_stay] [display_relatedPost]. The best time to visit New Zealand depends on what are your interests. There is a grassy area in between the free car park and the beach for those who don't want sand blown into their sandwiches! How long we stay in the water depends on how well we breathe and how much oxygen we use. as it is one of the best places to snorkel in New Zealand. Back at the Dive! Torbay is a bit shallow so it will need a good cast, but Winstones Cove has, on occasion, produced some huge snapper, up to 9kg or more. }); . and walked through the park to Army bay, nice beach with not too many people around. Stewart Island's remote coastlines mean dive and snorkel sites are pristine and undisturbed and are home to an incredibly diverse marine ecosystem. The water clarity here is consistently good and quite often things are crystal clearperfect for getting some decent shots on the GoPro. Luckily, the Kermadecs are packed with less challenging dive sites where you will still encounter spectacular fish life whenever you turn. Our shop has trained professionals working full-time in the industry, driven by passion and enthusiasm to help you make the most of your diving experience. Snorkeling in New Zealand, may not be the first thing to come to your mind on a trip to the island. Good place to kayak as well. Saturday & Sunday9.00am - 5.00pm, Bravo is the next step in the evolution of the Sport line. 11 Best Places For Scuba Diving In New Zealand. BECOME A SUPPORTER. var cloned = el.clone(); ADCT is a registered not-for-profit charity with the New Zealand Charities Commission (CC42144). Best to get there very early morning before the continuous boat traffic starts. Are there some shady spots or should we consider another area in the park? It's a good place to get some fresh air and take a walk. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in New Zealand. These fins are perfect for cave diving and wreck diving as these , What is a Semi Dry? Just inside the harbour on the southern side are three points: Tungutu Point (best reached from Otarawao or Sullivan's Bay), and Opahi Point and Opaheke Point, which are both left and right of the Opahi Bay boat ramp. On the high tide this place can fish very well for both snapper and kingies. And far too many Asian people collecting more than 50 cockles per person which is the limit. What is a dividing fence? To get to deeper dive sites, you are best to dive off a kayak or a boat. This picturesque spot is renowned for its beaches that are great for swimming, fishing andof coursesnorkeling. Suggested Read: 15 Waterfalls In New Zealand That'll Leave You Speechless. Beautiful views. The Neotek also features large thigh pockets with reliable stainless steel D rings for security. What's really neat is the Gemstone Bay Snorkel Trail, which is suitable for all ages and abilities. reverse:false, Small, private and great. Watching a snapper snaffle a softie right at your feet has got to be up there with the best land based experiences. Kina can be found around the coast of the North Island, South Island and Chatham Islands; virtually every part of NZ's rocky coastline with a food source. Members Profile. if( ! You will need a decent cast to get clear in some places but floating baits in others. There are a few small snapper, parore, blue maomao and leatherjackets. We took the kids to the beach to collect some Kina and cockles from the bay on the other side. Cast while facing Orewa Beach and you may be surprised just how well you do. el.before(cloned); A daily bag limit of no more than 2 hpuku/bass per person. The wall drops to sand where it is dotted with rocks covered with sponges, kelp and heaps of goatfish. It's also a great time to connect with the moana (the ocean) and explore the abundant seabed.I head upto the Whangaparaoa Pennisula just north of Auckland to meet up with a cousin and a friend and go hunting for the infamous Kiwi Kina (sea urchin). Sea life? The water is crystal clear, giving you perfect visibility of the snapper and stingrays that live there. Medical Technicians work with a variety of health care professionals including Medical Officers and Nursing Officers to treat, Pool Services WordPress Theme By VWThemes, diving medicine technician canadian forces, Where can I go snorkeling in the Maldives, Where is the best place to dive on Goat Island, Where is the best place to go snorkeling on Fraser Island, 10+Crowdsourcing+Websites+You+Didnt+Know+Were+Out+There, green led underwater green fishing lights 400W Lights for night fishing, Waterproof LED Multifunctional Strong Light Fishing Light, How A Website Crawls, And How It Gets Organized, 5 Top Tesla Model 3 Accessories In 2022-What You Need To Know. And, for those who dislike getting wet, there are a number of glass bottom boat tours as well! This archipelago is a diver's paradise, so it's hard to choose just one location. The kids love Army bay for swimming and climbing in the pohutukawa trees. At the harbour end, you'll find slipper lobsters and moray eels. Go a bit deeper and find colourful nudibranchs, lots of tarakihi and schools of butterfly perch. Learn how to safely develop your freediving techniques and breath hold abilities. It's considered to have the highest concentration of black coral trees in the world. Here is a blue-water pinnacle in the midst of strong ocean currents, so it's possible to see incredible pelagics if you are lucky. }); Diving is a fun, dynamic and unique sport which helps develop agility, strength, co-ordination and deep water confidence. Cathedral Cove is not as crowded as other snorkeling spots and is a fun place to relax, unwind or have a blast. Best place to enjoy the sun. This is also an incredible night dive. There are some ledges facing Rangitoto which can hold kingies over the summer. Previous Next December and January are the best months for snorkeling. Wow! Nevertheless, our first activity in the Northland region sounds like a goodie and we just cant wait! In Fiordland a fresh water layer sits on. By using our website, you accept our use of cookies. Kiwi Scuba Divers are a full service dive shop located only 20 minutes north of Auckland just off the motorway for easy access, so drop in on your way north and avoid all the traffic of central Auckland. Abundant. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. $$ - $$$ Cafe New Zealand Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ Asian Thai Vegetarian Friendly, This is a great beach on the north side of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, at the end of the road (before the military zone) and close to Shakespeare Regional Park. Summer will be the best time to visit this place but if you have few hours to kill this place will be the first choice as its away fromCity life and takes a long drive. Another good rocky spot. Haines Hunter SF485 Sport Fisher walkaround, Stewart Island with Josh James - Kiwi Bushman, Catching BIG snapper on softbaits: SIMRAD Sessions, Kingfish on livebaits - Moocher Hunters NZ, New Suzuki Partnership for the Moocher Hunters Team, Pro tips: How to catch more fish with soft baits, Pocket Maps - NZ Walking Access to trout rivers. prevText:"<", I'd been snorkelling overseas in tropical areas, but I had no idea what was beneath the surface in our own oceans. Kiwi Scuba Divers offer some of the best scuba diving in Auckland and across New Zealand to all certified newcomers and long-time enthusiasts. Youll only need one, and hey presto:big snapper. There are truly amazing spots for snorkeling in New Zealand, where the waters are as clear as can get with massive swarms of colorful fish and coral. Abel Tasman has a number of sheltered bays and fun activities to indulge in apart from just snorkeling. Snorkeling In New Zealand 2023: 6 Best Places To Swim Through Ultimate Joy! itemMargin:0 The walls have solitary corals, brachiopods, sponges, soft corals, nudibranchs and a good selection of fish species. The two clubs have contracted the provision diving coaching and administration to ADCT and to that end the organisation runs the diving programme as if we are one club. Invertebrate life is good with plenty of crabs, sea stars and kina or sea urchins plus the occasional octopus. 2022-10-15 2022-10-15 | admin admin | 0 Comment | 14:31. Silverdale, Auckland, With strong currents and deep water, divers should be experienced and have a skilled local skipper. Auckland Diving provides professionally run classes for brand new divers, right through to competitive training at Olympic level. Kiwi Scuba Divers also offer internationally recognised freediver training through SSI Freediving. Heres another spot that can give up big fish, but for some strange reason small baits like anchovies do well here. Learn how to safely develop your freediving techniques and breath hold abilities. downscale_only: false, A five-minute drive north of Leigh, the marine reserve is home to masses of colourful (and super friendly) fish. Kiwi Scuba Divers also offer internationally recognised freediver training through SSI Freediving. What attractions are near Army Bay Beach? }; By using this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and the terms of use within it. North Reef is a large reef just north of the northwest point of Goat Island and is best dived when there is limited swell or current. Email:info@kiwiscubadivers.co.nz, Monday - Friday9.00am - 5:30pm Made up of five islands, it's considered the "Poor Knights Islands" of the Coromandel, with stunning volcanic formations, pinnacles, underwater caverns and caves, as well as the incredible fish life. Visitors can also enjoy swimming, kayaking and walking on the beach. CRAZY Spring Spearfishing! Tough 1000-Denier black bladder material w/10mm Thermoplastic Polyurethane coating resists fading and abrasion, while the hard webbing backplate with two tank bandsand an additional cinch-down strap , The Hollis Neotek is an incredibly robust semi-dry wetsuit. We operate 2 dive charter boats, visiting many of New Zealands top dive sites. It seems that Dive! Tutukaka cave, Sophie helps us record our dive, as well as identify the species of fish we saw with a fish book. Location: Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, Matapouri, New Zealand, Suggested Read: 15 Haunted Places In New Zealand Thatll Give You Shivers. }); So you need to get the conditions just right - and be really lucky.Top tip: Tidal currents here are more than legend: beware! $(this).css('display', 'block'); Fiordland is home to one of New Zealand's most unique dive regions. The Horoirangi Marine Reserve northeast of Nelson is a dramatic underwater scene due to the rugged boulder reefs. We also like to hang out on Facebook and post pretty pictures on Instagram. An education center on the shores is a great place to spend an hour learning more about these fascinating sea animals. We say goodbye to the team and head back to our Whangarei accommodation, Bunkdown Lodge, where we mingle with readers of our website (always a nice feeling to know someone read us once), people weve bumped into previously on the trip, and new people! Another Northland favourite dive site up north is Deep Water Cove in the Bay of Islands. timer_metaslider_57782(); 47 Glamorous Places To Visit In Udaipur In The Year 2023 For A Laidback Holiday! direction:'horizontal', The Island Bay Snorkel Trail is a great way to explore the area and learn about the marine life in the reserve. We stopped at Army Bay Beach for a picnic lunch - the area is spotlessly clean with toilets, changing rooms and a shower. Head south from the beach back toward Hatfields. Camouflaged against the sand are flounder and there are lots sea shells like cockles and whelks. This snorkeling platform may be accessed by crossing a lovely stretch of white sand beach. We're dedicated to keeping our recommendations and content free. Alone time or couple or friends everything suits here. We anchor up here to watch them, a couple deciding to make their way closer to the water This would be a good place to swim with seals! | Life In New Zealand 35,133 views Feb 23, 2017 Kina diving one of my favourite past time activities during the summer vibes in New Zealand. Each part of the country has a unique marine ecosystem with more snorkel and dive spots than most of us land-dwellers realise. Check the sea conditions before you head out as there is often some swell. This snorkeling spot is easily accessible from the shore, but using a boat will give you access to several other beautiful spots to snorkel. We stopped at Army Bay Beach for a picnic lunch - the area is spotlessly clean with toilets, changing rooms and a shower. In Canterbury? The Alderman Islands are considered the Coromandel's answer to the famous Northland dive site Poor Knights Islands. Very early morning or evening low will be best to beat the boat traffic. The views are lovely. New Zealand has more than 15,000 km of beautiful coastline, making it a popular place to spend time on a boat. As soon as the high tide will let you, walk out along the eastern side, heading for the old wreck. It is also known to house the largest ever sea cave in all of the Southern hemisphere, the Riko Riko Cave. animation:'slide', Thank you! 95 Best Honeymoon Destinations In The World In 2023 For A Romantic Escape! Well, Ariel, do we have news for you: you can make all your mermaid dreams a reality with snorkeling. From the get go, our breath is taken away by the variety of fish seen in the water (but we remember to keep on breathing because literally losing your breath wouldnt be a good thing when diving). Kicking off the best spots to get your snorkel on is none other than everyones favourite snorkelling spot, Goat Island. Best place to enjoy the sun. Kiwi Scuba Divers have a fully equipped dive equipment service centre and dive cylinder testing facility on site. }); Check out our Online Shop for more information on the products we supply. Most of the time, of course, the tide is screaming and the visibility non-existent. }; Heres where to experience the best snorkelingin and around Auckland. Once you get to the car park, a massive tidal platform awaits you just 50 meters away. Suggested Read: 15 Waterfalls In New Zealand Thatll Leave You Speechless. Use an operator who knows and loves the region. Well, laboratory experiments suggest that climate change is likely to impact our ability to eat kina roe, at least in northern New Zealand, for two reasons. In fact, you can snorkel with sharks (yes, sharks) at Aucklands very own Kelly Tarltons. This spot is home to the likes of snapper, crayfish, kelp forests and even the occasional stingray. Keep an eye out for angelfish aggressively tending their 'gardens' and chasing visitors away from their patches of eggs. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. window.setTimeout(timer_metaslider_57782, 100) : !jQuery.isReady ? You can cross the stream and head down the beach to the rock shelf right opposite brazier rock, casting out into the channel between the two. DIVING for KIWI KINA! Quiet and peaceful on a sunny winters day with no wind. Go NZ: The best scuba diving sites in New Zealand - NZ Herald, Poor Knights Islands A rich experience - NZ Herald, New Zealand's top snorkelling spots - NZ Herald, Clarke Gayford in Tairua: Fish of the Day - NZ Herald. Seals can be seen bathing on the rocks around the island, while underwater there are thriving populations of red rock crabs, crayfish, snapper, hermits and kina. Divers should swim out to around 3m depth before descending. After a day in the water, pop into Leigh Sawmill for a pizza and a cold bevvy. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. downscale_only: false, And you know what, we werent even cold another win for the shoulder season! Kaikoura. Tututkaka who take divers beginners and experts alike to the Poor Knights Islands. Your submission has been received! Record our dive, as well species of fish we saw with a fish book ;. On is none other than everyones favourite snorkelling spot, Goat island life is good with of. 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Two clubs within our program, Diving Waitakere and North Harbour Diving of land-dwellers!, fishing andof coursesnorkeling there with the best Places for Scuba Diving in New Zealand has more than km! And a shower Zealand, may not be the first thing to come to your mind on a.... You turn hemisphere, the tide is screaming and the visibility non-existent hey presto: big snapper clear giving. For getting some decent shots on the beach just snorkeling 's paradise, so it 's to! Or friends everything suits here is not as crowded as other snorkeling and. One, and you know what, we werent even cold another win for kina diving spots auckland...