Matauri Bay – Northland & Bay of Islands

15m Max

5-15m Vis

shore

Site Overview

Matauri Bay is a calm, sheltered shore diving and training site in the Whangaroa area that provides an excellent introduction to Northland diving and a reliable backup option when offshore conditions prevent boat trips to more exposed sites. The bay features a gently sloping sandy and rocky bottom that extends from the shore entry to approximately 15 metres depth, providing a safe and controlled environment for training dives, skills practice, and relaxed exploration. Stingrays regularly visit the sandy bottom of the bay, gliding gracefully over the sand in search of buried prey, while golden snapper patrol the rocky reef edges. The site is particularly renowned for its excellent night diving, when the marine community transforms with the emergence of octopus, crayfish, and nocturnal fish species that are rarely seen during daylight hours. Moray eels extend from their rocky crevices to hunt, and nudibranchs become more visible on the reef surfaces. The easy shore access, with a short walk from the car park to the entry point, makes Matauri Bay one of the most logistically convenient dive sites in Northland. The bay is also popular with snorkellers and freedivers who can enjoy the same marine life in the shallower areas. The combination of accessibility, reliable conditions, and diverse marine life makes Matauri Bay an essential component of any Northland diving itinerary, whether as a primary site or a weather backup.

Dive Briefing

"The dive begins at the rocky shore entry point on the sheltered side of Matauri Bay, where a short walk over rocks leads to a sandy entry area. Enter the water and descend along the reef edge, following the boundary between the sandy bottom and the rocky reef. Golden snapper and demoiselles are encountered immediately in the shallower water. Continue along the reef edge to approximately 10 metres depth, where the rocky reef becomes more developed with colourful sponge and algae growth. Stingrays are frequently observed on the sandy bottom, gliding gracefully just above the sand. Moray eels occupy crevices in the rocky reef at all depths. The return follows a shallower route over the sandy bottom at 5 to 8 metres, where the light creates beautiful patterns on the sand. The safety stop is conducted in the shallower area near the exit point. Night diving transforms the site completely, with octopus emerging to hunt on the reef and crayfish becoming active in the rocky crevices. Torch use reveals colourful marine life that is invisible during daylight hours."