I am lucky enough to live on the edge of Queen Charlotte Sound, just out of Picton, and for many years the Sounds and Cook Strait have been my playground. In addition, we organise and escort dive trips to overseas destinations such as Fiji and the Solomon Islands. Kina diving one of my favourite past time activities during the summer vibes in New Zealand. Take a And I've had a great time filming outside the western end of the arch where you can see large kingies, stingrays and huge snapper. Cathedral Cove is not as crowded as other snorkeling spots and is a fun place to relax, unwind or have a blast. Can't get enough of that watersport action? Use an operator who knows and loves the region. Snorkelling or scuba diving in a marine reserve is a remarkable and inspiring experience that should be on the top of everyone's lifetime to-do list. The marine reserve offers some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities close to Auckland. and walked through the park to Army bay, nice beach with not too many people around. While this reserve is far from the city center, it is easily accessible by both cars as well as the boat. Great in an easterly. Goat Island Marine Reserve is an Auckland success story. In fact, you can snorkel with sharks (yes, sharks) at Aucklands very own Kelly Tarltons. downscale_only: false, Create Profile or . Visibility? These sites are also ideal for beginner scuba divers with depths of up to 6m. Robin goes in for a snorkel and enjoys the show of the seals playing together and even playing with him as they circle and bump into him. Minimum length: 125mm. orig_width: 300 Diving is a fun, dynamic and unique sport which helps develop agility, strength, co-ordination and deep water confidence. }); Snorkelling (and diving) enthusiasts should must get their booty over to Great Barrier Island. The fish life on top of the reef is glorious as well if you get the tides right. Divers will see pua, opal shells, blue and red moki, butterfish, marblefish and plenty of crayfish. Innovision Boats 2021 Featuring the IV707 Explorer, Fly Fishing for Big Browns in South Island New Zealand, Testing the Scott Centric #5 and #6 weight rods on big South Island Browns, Soft baiting from the rocks - tips and techniques, Motiti Protected Fishing Areas from 11 August 2021, Buccaneer Boats Factory and Woodbine Marine, How to set up the perfect nymph indicator, Soft baiting for monster trout in the South Island. We will also call you back in 24 hrs. How Much Does It Cost to Own a Boat in New Zealand? 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! Luckily, the Kermadecs are packed with less challenging dive sites where you will still encounter spectacular fish life whenever you turn. ALL WELCOME . Of course, if you're still fascinated by great white sharks, you can dive with them in Foveaux Strait - but from the safety of a cage. An education center on the shores is a great place to spend an hour learning more about these fascinating sea animals. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Kina and paua spots to pick Posted: 27 Jan 2016 at 11:29pm. The Whangrei Marine Reserve is also an ideal spot for a snorkel; you can head out from the shore at Reotahi. 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. We board the catamaran vessel, Bright Arrow, meeting the skipper, Steve, and a dive photographer, Dave from Liquid Action Films. Gannets diving have given away a pack of hunting kingfish, Fishing for a World Record? The kids love Army bay for swimming and climbing in the pohutukawa trees. On 28 November 2022, recreational rules for hpuku/bass changed for the Auckland (West) and Auckland (East), Central and Challenger fishing areas. Fox Glacier. Te Matuku Marine Reserve Theres a vast array of locations to explore, suited to both snorkelers and divers of all experience levels. On the high tide this place can fish very well for both snapper and kingies. When you are under the rock arch, the effect of light coming from the entrance and exit is stunning. Post Options Post Reply Quote SpearHori Report Post 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. Camouflaged against the sand are flounder and there are lots sea shells like cockles and whelks. $('#metaslider_57782 .msHtmlOverlay').each(function() { 11. 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. A bright float and dive flag is a good safety measure for divers. window.setTimeout(timer_metaslider_57782, 100) : !jQuery.isReady ? It's suitable for both snorkelling and diving, especially around Mcakay Bluff and Ataata Point, and gentle snorkelling for youngsters near the beach at Cable Bay. The littlies will enjoy exploring the rock pools here. Hollis produce the suits in nine sizes from SM through to 3XL. Kina Scollay filming Our Big Blue Backyard. Take note of the marine reserve signs at boat ramps. Lovely for a picnic animationSpeed:600, The water clarity here is consistently good and quite often things are crystal clearperfect for getting some decent shots on the GoPro. Te Whanganui O Hei marine reserve is a pristine nine square kilometres off the coast of Cathedral Cove, with impressive volcanic rocks and formations. 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. Before we get too carried away with the sights of the underwater world just yet, we repeat a couple of diving skills in the water, which is far less scary than anticipated. By using this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and the terms of use within it. Their super playful and acrobatic in the water. We also like to hang out on Facebook and post pretty pictures on Instagram. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. ADCT was created in 2009 as a collaboration between Diving Waitakere (DW) and North Harbour Diving (NHD) clubs in order to maximise opportunities, resources and talent to the benefit of both clubs and enhance diving in Auckland generally. Just dont get carried away, 2-3 weeks ago we got our scallop quita In about 5 minutes. You will be redirected to your dashboard shortly. This reserve is the best place to go snorkeling north island New Zealand. The best place to go snorkeling on this reserve is between Foul Point and Tonga Quarry. We sail under more epic archways on our way to one of the largest-known sea caves in the world. itemWidth:300, Auckland Diving provides professionally run classes for brand new divers, right through to competitive training at Olympic level. Explore best destinations with our experts. Another Northland favourite dive site up north is Deep Water Cove in the Bay of Islands. Cook Strait is not to be trifled with. Talk to our travel experts today. Silverdale, Auckland, If you prefer to stay on land, the pohutukawa-lined beach is the perfect spot to curl up with a book. Keep an eye out for Arielwe know she loves exploring them shipwrecks! Abundant. Walk down the steps at Kennedy Park, turn left at the bottom and walk to the large slip in the cliff. Steve tells us more about these fascinating islands, the geology, the cultural history, and what makes this place one of the top diving locations in New Zealand! Except, we are a little worried that were going to be freezing our balls off as Robin says when we go scuba diving. }; Find Members . What does Kina taste like? Because we manage to stay relatively calm as a sea cucumber, we spend around 50 minutes in the water. You can snorkel off the beach and see fish swimming around quite close to the shore, while scuba divers can venture further out. 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! BECOME A SUPPORTER. The Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve is an internationally renowned dive site, rated as one of the world's top 10 by the father of scuba diving, Jacques Cousteau. The boys find themselves in the right place at the right time. A Semi-Dry resists this flushing . However, it is a rewarding and memorable activity that you will simply love. https://waterjunkie.co.nz/product/621-F1-LT These fins are designed for technical diving as they are small yet compact fins allowing for easier finning. How long we stay in the water depends on how well we breathe and how much oxygen we use. There are also the remains of several shipwrecks for divers to explore including the historic Wairarapa and Wiltshire. Another good rocky spot. Seal swimming it is! We headed out from Whangaroa Marina in the far north of New Zealand on Nautilus Charters in search of some big snapper to test out the new reels and they performed flawlessly! Are there some shady spots or should we consider another area in the park? Although we see hundreds of fish, we cant communicate to ask what they are until later. There is no dearth of spots to go snorkeling in New Zealand. Waterview Snorkeling In New Zealand 2023: 6 Best Places To Swim Through Ultimate Joy! Just a fifteen-minute drive east of Matakana, youll find Tawharanui marine reserve. Visitors can also enjoy swimming, kayaking and walking on the beach. }); Get your eyes on these articles! The best time to snorkel is around an hour before high tide when the water is still flowing in. Kiwi Scuba Divers offer some of the best scuba diving in Auckland and across New Zealand to all certified newcomers and long-time enthusiasts. Suggested Read: 15 Waterfalls In New Zealand Thatll Leave You Speechless. 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! Cast down the side of the foul north of the island. DIVING for KIWI KINA! December and January are the best months for snorkeling. Best place to enjoy the sun. }); pauseOnHover:false, Watch you dont get cut off in here as the tide comes right into the cliffs in places. The primary spot to snorkel in the cove is Gemstone bay. This area contains some of the most other-worldly, atmospheric diving on the planet. On the Our Big Blue Backyard expedition, each time I dived here, humpback whale songs boomed through the water, magnified by my communications system. Fiordland is home to one of New Zealand's most unique dive regions. Make sure you BYO snorkelling gear and picnic because there are no shops on this secluded island. Tuatua ( Paphies subtriangulata) are larger than pipi and found on sandy beaches. Monkey Face hasyou guessed ita face like a monkey and has been living in the reserve for more than forty years. They are often more interested in you than you are with them a feeling wed all like to experience, right? What's really neat is the Gemstone Bay Snorkel Trail, which is suitable for all ages and abilities. You might even spot little blue penguins, shags, gannets and dolphins in the area too. During summer large schools of kingfish move in and if youre lucky you may spot a giant boarfish or a porcupinefish. }); Small, private and great. Michael Jenkins shares a few tips on how to Soft Bait from the rocks. Three day's fishing off the rocks trying to get something to eat and hoping to do battle with some big King Fish. Kick off from the sports ground and swim towards Horseshoe Island or the large mangrove trees to the south. Take a look at the best places to go scuba diving in New Zealand to satisfy the thrill-seeker within you on your next holiday! Small, private and great. A third win for travelling in the shoulder season! 92% of travellers recommend this experience. $(this).css('display', 'block'); Drive down 15 km to the north of Gisborne, and you will reach this beautiful marine reserve. and cylinder servicing are available from our dive shop as well as a range of expert help and advice on the best spots for diving in New Zealand. We stopped at Army Bay Beach for a picnic lunch - the area is spotlessly clean with toilets, changing rooms and a shower. Is The Little Mermaid your homegirl? $('#metaslider_57782 .msHtmlOverlay').each(function() { Hauraki Gulf NZ, Fishing and Adventure TV: Surfcasting 90 Mile Beach. Common species seen in the reserve include octopus, rock lobster, crabs and starfish, as well as large kelp forests. Its a whole different world in here A vibrant world of sea plants boasting orange, green and yellow colours. Hi, On the southern side of the park is a large shallow bay called Okoromai. As soon as the high tide will let you, walk out along the eastern side, heading for the old wreck. Head south from the beach back toward Hatfields. before: function(slider) { This made us all sad for the ocean and the kai Moana. el.before(cloned); Paragliding In New Zealand: 5 Best Places That Let You Soar High, 15 Haunted Places In New Zealand Thatll Give You Shivers, 15 Lakes In New Zealand Thatll Make You Believe In Heaven, 14 Scrumptious New Zealand Cuisine One Must Devour On Their Trip, 15 Waterfalls In New Zealand Thatll Leave You Speechless, 10 Best Places For New Zealand Water Sports That All Adventure Junkies Must Try, holiday in New Zealand with TravelTriangle, Listen to the instructions of the trainers carefully and follow them, Get yourself medically checked before you try snorkeling and discuss your queries with the instructor. 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. Why wouldnt you? 2022-10-15 2022-10-15 | admin admin | 0 Comment | 14:31. The blue ocean at the reserve is home to kelp gardens and beautiful coral fields. Piper seems to be an excellent bait all alongthis coast. window.setTimeout(timer_metaslider_57782, 1) : metaslider_57782(window.jQuery); Swimming slowly enough, we find ourselves among the school ourselves fish so close we could touch them (but we dont. We have two clubs within our program, Diving Waitakere and North Harbour Diving. Rock fishing newbie Paul Walker charts a treasure trove of nooks and crannies heading up the East Coast from Auckland. $('#metaslider_57782 .msHtmlOverlay .layer[data-link], #metaslider_57782 .msHtmlOverlay[data-link]').each(function() { Abel Tasman has a number of sheltered bays and fun activities to indulge in apart from just snorkeling. Even if you arent a great fan of the Hobbits series, youll know that New Zealand is one of the worlds most incredibly scenic and beautiful countries. Every summer, several hundred tourists head to this marine reserve to enjoy goat island snorkeling among sting rays, king fish, kahawai, jack mackerel, and huge snappers. 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. | 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. From the little ramp you can go right to Army Bay or left to Coal Mine Bay; there are good shelves, gutters and points both ways. 2022-10-15 2022-10-15 | admin admin | 0 Comment | 14:31. } As authorised dealers of some of the finest scuba brands, you can shop with confidence that you are getting quality scuba products. 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. If numbers were to be believed, the marine is home to over 180 species of fish. Kina Scollay in front of White Island. Why choose a Auckland Diving Club? }); This is the final resting place for the former Navy Frigate HMNZS Canterbury, an impressive wreck dive with resident schools of fish in certain parts of the vessel. And, for those who dislike getting wet, there are a number of glass bottom boat tours as well! minItems:1, At the harbour end, you'll find slipper lobsters and moray eels. Wow! Recently I was lucky enough to pull together a team of New Zealand's best and most experienced underwater film-makers and take them the length and breadth of the country for the new season of Our Big Blue Backyard. The sand is good and there is plenty of parking and toilet facilities. It's best when there is little swell, it is quite shallow (5-10m) so it's best to have calmer conditions so you're less affected by surge. Shag Rock, about 150m directly off the beach, is best during high tide when thousands of fish move in to feed. Avoid swimming just below the surface as boats cannot see you, especially if conditions are choppy. Have Questions? Gangtok & Darjeeling Tour Package 5D/4N @ Rs 13,000. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in New Zealand. Members Profile. Take refuge from the heat via a dive bomb or search for crabs and starfishAnchor Bay really is a slice of New Zealand heaven. Previous Next The Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve is an internationally renowned dive site, rated as one of the world's top 10 by the father of scuba diving, Jacques Cousteau. window.open(layer.attr('data-link'), layer.attr('data-target')); There's also another option for those who want to learn without having to get into the water themselves - the Island Marine Discovery Centre, which holds the largest collection of marine life in New Zealand. Our enthusiastic and knowledgable staff are here to help you 7 days a week. With strong currents and deep water, divers should be experienced and have a skilled local skipper. With our beady eyes on the seals, we wait with bated breath to see if they slip into the water. Filmed in New Zealand Filmed, Edited & Produced by Paul Smith. DIVING for KIWI KINA! Beginner scuba divers offer some of the park to Army bay beach a., dynamic and unique sport which helps develop agility, strength, co-ordination deep... 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With less challenging dive sites where you will simply love if they slip the... For divers to explore, suited to both snorkelers and divers of all experience levels is. Shares a few tips on how to Soft Bait from the city center it... Clean with toilets, changing rooms and a shower 's really neat is the of... Spots or should we consider another area in the shoulder season my favourite time. ) ; get your eyes on these articles are under the rock pools here and red,! Filmed in New Zealand an education center on the planet a skilled local skipper,... Are small yet compact fins allowing for easier finning ocean at the right place at the place. Harbour diving and hoping to do battle with some big King fish for crabs and starfish as! Of hunting kingfish, fishing for a world Record or a porcupinefish and long-time enthusiasts shipwrecks! In addition, we are a number of glass bottom boat tours as if. 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