Day 1

After meeting in Auckland we transit to Matauri Bay, the launch point for the first of our dives.

Day 2

Dive the infamous wreck of the Rainbow Warrior, a Greenpeace vessel fatally wounded by French bombers in Auckland harbour and later sunk as an artificial reef.

Day 3

Dive the Cavalli Islands, then transit to Tutukaka.

Day 4

Dive the wrecks of the HMNZS Tui and HMNZS Waikato. Sunk especially for recreational diving, both ex-naval vessels have been prepared for easy penetration.

Day 5

Dive the Poor Knights Marine Reserve, named by Jacques Cousteau as one of the top 10 dive sites in the world. The warm currents here originate in the Coral Sea, so the water temperature is higher and visibility greater than that of nearby coastal waters. Born from volcanic activity, tropical and sub-tropical life abounds in this unique underwater environment. Caves, tunnels and archways are all home to great schools of friendly colourful fish - great photography!

Day 6

Free morning in Auckland on the way to Whakatane

Days 7 and 8

There are very few places you can dive a live volcano, but White Island, which has been steaming away for centuries, is something quite unique. Climb to the crater edge of this active volcano in the interval between diving with huge Kingfish, Stingrays and Blue Maomao, along with some of the biggest crayfish. But what makes this place truly unique are the bubbling underwater fissures creating an underwater Jacuzzi. Warmer currents also mean nudibranches like those of the Poor Knights, and visibility of generally 20 metres plus.

Day 9

Drive to Wellington and catch the ferry across to Picton. Transfer to French Pass.

Day 10

Dive the wreck of the Mikhael Lermontov, a Russian Cruise Liner that controversially sunk when the pilot took a miscalculated short-cut. Mostly intact you can cruise along the promenade deck looking into passenger rooms, swim the beautifully tiled swimming pool, or check out the bridge or huge propeller.

Day 11

Today we go shark diving with Mako and Blue sharks in a purpose built cage. Later in the afternoon we have time to explore the Nelson region.

Day 12

Dive Pupu Springs - fresh water springs with reputably the clearest fresh water in the world.

Day 13

Our final dive is at the Riwaka Caverns, a very interesting but easy freshwater cave dive for any experience level.

Day 14

Today we transfer to Picton and take the ferry to Wellington.

Day 15

Our last day or the tour, today we transfer you to Wellington airport. Alternatively, you might like to take the optional extension back to Auckland via the Waitomo Caves.

Extras/options:

• Learn to dive prior to commencing this tour (4 days)
• Dive Gear can be hired for an additional daily charge. However divers must supply their own Mask/Fins/Snorkel
• A surcharge will apply to tours travelling during the peak local holiday period of 10 December to 31 January.
• At the end of your tour stay extra nights in Wellington or travel back to Auckland with a stopover at the Waitomo Caves