New Zealand

These prehistoric-looking but docile sharks are seasonally encountered at several sites in the north, including the Poor Knights.

Grey Nurse Shark (Sand Tiger)

Playful and inquisitive seals are a major highlight of diving in the South Island and the subantarctic islands.

New Zealand Fur Seal

Normally a deep-water species, these stunning white trees are found in shallow water in Fiordland due to the unique freshwater layer.

Black Coral

Large and impressive rays are frequently seen in the caves and over the sandy flats of the northern marine reserves.

Stingrays (Short-tail & Eagle)

New Zealand offers some of the most spectacular and diverse temperate water diving on the planet, characterized by extraordinary visibility, dramatic volcanic topography, and a density of shipwrecks that is a haven for underwater explorers. The country is world-famous for the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, famously described by Jacques Cousteau as one of the top ten dive sites in the world. Here, the meeting of warm subtropical currents and cooler temperate waters creates a unique 'subtropical-temperate' hybrid ecosystem teeming with life. Beyond the Poor Knights, New Zealand's underwater world is a realm of dramatic contrasts. The legendary wrecks of the MS Mikhail Lermontov in the Marlborough Sounds and the Rainbow Warrior in the Bay of Islands provide world-class historical diving. Fiordland, on the South Island, offers a truly unique experience with its 'black coral' trees found in shallow depths due to the layer of dark freshwater on the surface. New Zealand's diving is supported by a highly professional infrastructure, with a strong focus on safety, conservation, and heritage preservation. While the water is cool, ranging from 12°C to 22°C, the reward is a wild and pristine underwater world that offers a deep connection to both nature and history.

While land-based diving is common, there are occasional liveaboard expeditions to the remote offshore islands, such as the Three Kings or the Kermadec Islands, for experienced divers.

The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs

Blanket Bay

Huka Lodge

Renting a car or motorhome is the most popular way to explore New Zealand's rugged landscapes. A reliable domestic flight network connects major cities. Ferries connect the North and South Islands.

Liveaboard Diving in New Zealand

Experience Overview

Featured Operators

Remote Reach

Booking Advice

Where to Stay in New Zealand