It has a huge population of fish of all sizes, colors, and shapes that can be easily spotted from the surface. Nevertheless, our first activity in the Northland region sounds like a goodie and we just cant wait! Its a lucky encounter to be swimming with the seals as they only show up at the Poor Knights for the colder months and you know what that means? Another good rocky spot. 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. 2 Fiordland: Acheron Passage This area contains some of the most other-worldly, atmospheric diving on the planet. Its a pretty cruisy ride to the Poor Knights, where about mid-way, Sophie goes through a briefing with us, including an explanation of the skills were going to practice once before we get into the water and once in the water. Kina diving one of my favourite past time activities during the summer vibes in New Zealand. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. But the gems in the Coromandel's marine crown are the Aldermen Islands; a divers' dream located 20 kilometres off the coast of Puanui. Once we have all the equipment removed from our persons, we take a little tiki tour of the islands. DIVING for KIWI KINA! A bright float and dive flag is a good safety measure for divers. The fish life on top of the reef is glorious as well if you get the tides right. The prices are quite affordable, hence making it an adventure activity you must try! If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. To get to deeper dive sites, you are best to dive off a kayak or a boat. 11. Goat Island Marine Reserve is an Auckland success story. But Howard's Rock is a pinnacle that rises from deep, clear blue water, and it's hard to beat. If numbers were to be believed, the marine is home to over 180 species of fish. Hauraki Gulf NZ, Fishing and Adventure TV: Surfcasting 90 Mile Beach. }); The currents are ferocious and you could easily be lost. Its a whole different world in here A vibrant world of sea plants boasting orange, green and yellow colours. $('li:not(".flex-active-slide") .animated', slider).not('.disabled').each(function(index) { Depth 6-25m, Check sea and weather conditions before entering the water. Here's what you need to know to ensure your trophy fish legally qualifies for a category record. Small, private and great. $('#metaslider_57782 .msHtmlOverlay').each(function() { 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. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Also scallops in the middle of the bay. 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. 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. Piper seems to be an excellent bait all alongthis coast. It's a good place to get some fresh air and take a walk. Take a look at the best places to go snorkeling in New Zealand for a thrilling experience in the beautiful country while holidaying there! We have two clubs within our program, Diving Waitakere and North Harbour Diving. What does Kina taste like? My previous experience on the Poseidon Mk6 meant that I was able to focus more on the Prism2 than the actual difference between open and closed circuit diving. Goat Island. Northland.Huntress . }); }); Well, Ariel, do we have news for you: you can make all your mermaid dreams a reality with snorkeling. So you need to get the conditions just right - and be really lucky.Top tip: Tidal currents here are more than legend: beware! Drop by the Discovery center after a swim with the fish. Chance of snapper here at low incoming tide; best with piper or live bait. The Island Bay Snorkel Trail is a great way to explore the area and learn about the marine life in the reserve. 2022-10-15 2022-10-15 | admin admin | 0 Comment | 14:31. And, for those who dislike getting wet, there are a number of glass bottom boat tours as well! Tuatua ( Paphies subtriangulata) are larger than pipi and found on sandy beaches. 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. By signing up with us, you get the opportunity to explore and dive in the some of the most picturesque dive sites New Zealand has to offer. Auckland Diving provides professionally run classes for brand new divers, right through to competitive training at Olympic level. prevText:"<", init: function(slider) { Any suggestions most welcome. Spellbinding Cochin Family Tour 2D/1N Package @ Rs 2,750, Himachal Family Tour Package 4D/3N @ Rs 8,750, Exciting Andaman Family Trip 5D/4N @ Rs 10,250. These brands are recognised global market leaders for their outstanding quality and impressive design. We specialise in technical diver training including extended range, sidemount and rebreathers. Youll only need one, and hey presto:big snapper. By using our website, you accept our use of cookies. With that, we can descend to 10m deep and start exploring this famous dive site! The Alderman Islands are considered the Coromandel's answer to the famous Northland dive site Poor Knights Islands. Steve takes us between towering cliffs of the islands and under numerous giant archways, before anchoring up at a dive spot that Jacques Cousteau himself once explored! The center is just a short walk from the beach and is a great way to get acquainted with marine life in the area. By using this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and the terms of use within it. }); On 28 November 2022, recreational rules for hpuku/bass changed for the Auckland (West) and Auckland (East), Central and Challenger fishing areas. Here, we get on the top deck of the boat which is open to the coastal scenery made by a super volcano and carved by the ocean over the years. While we admit the island is QUITE off the beaten track, the marine life here makes the trip well worth it. We offer a full range of SCUBA and Freediving courses, a wide selection of quality dive and spearfishing equipment as well as a selection of scuba and snorkelling gear for hire. 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. As soon as the high tide will let you, walk out along the eastern side, heading for the old wreck. Just a fifteen-minute drive east of Matakana, youll find Tawharanui marine reserve. Snorkellers will need to take equipment and should check out the sea conditions as there is often some swell. itemWidth:300, Swimming slowly enough, we find ourselves among the school ourselves fish so close we could touch them (but we dont. On the Our Big Blue Backyard expedition, each time I dived here, humpback whale songs boomed through the water, magnified by my communications system. Tui Wreck. Those rocking snorkelling gear can explore the rocks close to the shore, while divers can drop onto the reefs further out with depth ranges of up to 25 metres. The waters around Southland are well known for being a great habitat for great white sharks, but don't let that put you off from snorkelling and freediving around Rakiura. Silverdale, Auckland, Diving is a fun, dynamic and unique sport which helps develop agility, strength, co-ordination and deep water confidence. Kiwi Scuba Divers offer some of the best scuba diving in Auckland and across New Zealand. Its hard to believe this getaway is just a 45-minute trip away from the hustle and bustle of Aucklands CBD. Cathedral Cove is not as crowded as other snorkeling spots and is a fun place to relax, unwind or have a blast. . Hollis produce the suits in nine sizes from SM through to 3XL. There is no dearth of spots to go snorkeling in New Zealand. It was pretty busy and hardly any parks. These boots come in one thickness being 7mm throughout and come in all ranges of sizes (4 , Recently I had the opportunity to complete the Hollis Prism 2 Rebreather course. If you swim out into deep water save enough energy to get back. We stopped at Army Bay Beach for a picnic lunch - the area is spotlessly clean with toilets, changing rooms and a shower. This stunning spot is home to a handful of rock pools, home to sea creatures big and small. From the waters of Mokohinaus to Great Barrier Island, Poor Knights, Bay of Islands Islands and many, many more. What attractions are near Army Bay Beach? el.before(cloned); Mornings can be good here. Aussie slang is not the only thing that astounds tourists. Scuba divers can head off the edge of the rock platform, with the best scenery about 9-15 metres deep south of Aramoana, where dense ecklonia kelp covers most of the reef. The other terrific snorkel spot in the region is the Tonga Island Marine Reserve in the Abel Tasman National Park, which has stunningly clear waters. Email:info@kiwiscubadivers.co.nz, Monday - Friday9.00am - 5:30pm Saturday & Sunday9.00am - 5.00pm, Bravo is the next step in the evolution of the Sport line. Filmed in New Zealand Filmed, Edited & Produced by Paul Smith. Expect to see yellow-eyed mullet in schools of hundreds. BECOME A SUPPORTER. Stumbled across it by accident but boy what a find. We're dedicated to keeping our recommendations and content free. Just over 6 km from Wellington on the south coast is yet another marine reserve that is known for the best snorkeling in New Zealand. Lermontov Wreck. Tory Entrance features wonderful rock formations and swim-throughs. These three points fish really well from half to low tide. The estuary here is home to an abundance of marine life. Image Source. Suggested Read: 15 Waterfalls In New Zealand That'll Leave You Speechless. It's considered to have the highest concentration of black coral trees in the world. Theres a vast array of locations to explore, suited to both snorkelers and divers of all experience levels. Kiwi Scuba Divers offer some of the best scuba diving in Auckland and across New Zealand. Abel Tasman has a number of sheltered bays and fun activities to indulge in apart from just snorkeling. Three day's fishing off the rocks trying to get something to eat and hoping to do battle with some big King Fish. Yep, there are only five of us on the boat today and that folks, is the beauty of travelling in the shoulder season! Keep an eye out for Arielwe know she loves exploring them shipwrecks! At most, a couple of hours is all you will get here before the tide chases you back to the beach, but it may be all you will need. The marine reserve offers some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities close to Auckland. It all feels extremely foreign even to people like us who have done a couple of dives before, but once we step into the water and look down with our masks on, all those weird feelings are washed away. 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). Thank you! Our enthusiastic and knowledgable staff are here to help you 7 days a week. You will be redirected to your dashboard shortly. We drive from Whangarei to the Tutukaka Marina this morning and park up outside a cave. Kina and paua spots to pick Posted: 27 Jan 2016 at 11:29pm. Kick off from the sports ground and swim towards Horseshoe Island or the large mangrove trees to the south. Alone time or couple or friends everything suits here. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. }); Rock fishing newbie Paul Walker charts a treasure trove of nooks and crannies heading up the East Coast from Auckland. Steve takes us between towering cliffs of the islands and under numerous giant archways, before anchoring up at a dive spot that Jacques Cousteau himself once explored! At the harbour end, you'll find slipper lobsters and moray eels. Something went wrong while submitting the form. Common species seen in the reserve include octopus, rock lobster, crabs and starfish, as well as large kelp forests. 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