Diving Guide to Kermadec Islands

About Kermadec Islands

The Kermadec Islands are New Zealand's most remote and exclusive diving destination, a subtropical volcanic archipelago located over 1000 kilometres northeast of the North Island. Raoul Island, the largest in the group, offers subtropical diving with massive groupers, Galapagos sharks, black coral, sponges, schools of kingfish, and seasonal humpback whale encounters in waters of extraordinary clarity. The volcanic origin of the islands creates dramatic underwater topography with walls, pinnacles, and geothermal features that support a unique blend of subtropical and temperate marine species. The islands are a strict nature reserve with no permanent human population, accessible only by liveaboard expedition or scientific research vessel. The diving is expedition-style with multiple dives per day in waters that see fewer than 100 divers per year. The combination of subtropical biodiversity, volcanic geology, whale encounters, and extreme isolation makes the Kermadec Islands one of the most exclusive and sought-after dive destinations in the southern hemisphere. Every dive here feels like an exploration of untouched wilderness.

Highlights

• ✓Raoul Island subtropical volcanic diving with massive groupers and Galapagos sharks
• ✓Black coral forests and sponge gardens in crystal-clear subtropical water
• ✓Seasonal humpback whale encounters during migration periods
• ✓Pristine marine ecosystem with no permanent human population and extreme isolation
• ✓Expedition-style liveaboard diving with multiple dives per day in unexplored waters

Getting There

Liveaboard expedition from Auckland, approximately 36 to 48 hours sailing