Shark diving

There are a number of places where shark cage diving can be done in New Zealand. And because it is done in a controlled environment it is not necessary to be a qualified diver - anybody can do it!

The two most common shark species in New Zealand are mako and blue sharks, but in some locations we also have bronze whaler and great white sharks.

Mako shark

Growing to four metres, the mako is a streamlined and active shark widely distributed in warmer seas. Bright blue-black with a white undersurface is the usual colour. Because of its speed (it can reach speeds of up to 40 kilometres per hour) it eats mainly other fish - both surface or bottom dwellers, often entering bays and inlets in pursuit of them. The slender form, colour, set-back dorsal fin and the awl-shaped front teeth are their distinctive features. The name mako, although maori, is widely used in other parts of the world for this fish. Makos in excess of 400 kilos have been caught in New Zealand waters. The mighty mako usually hunt alone.

Blue shark

A common pelagic shark with world-wide distribution, blue sharks are common in New Zealand offshore waters right around the coast. They are easily recognizable by their bright blue colour and long slender body, with over-length pectoral fins. Individual specimens may range from just-born pups of 40cm up to very large adults of five metres. The blue shark has a "typical" shark-like appearance and is found in most oceans of the world. Some are reported to grow to 4 metres but in the pacific rarely exceed 2 metres. Apart from its blue colour it is readily distinguished by its slender shape, its long curved pectoral fins and long pointed snout.

There are four ways to participate in shark diving in New Zealand:

Package 1 - Bronze Whalers (without a cage) are dived at the Poor Knights at a site called crème gardens, it can only be done on a liveaboard Prices are - All rates include air fills, catering and bedding: 2 days/5-7 dives $419 per person, 3 days/8-10 dives $629 per person, 4 days/11-13 dives $839 per person

Package 2 – Great white cage diving in the Bay of Plenty – NZ$3,300 per person (minimum of two persons)

What’s Included:
• 3 Days at sea
• 2 nights Accommodation
• Breakfast, Lunches, and Dinner Provided
• Air cylinders and weight belts
• Transfers from Auckland Airport on arrival and return travel to Auckland.

This is a full on adventure taking you 150 nautical miles into open ocean to a place where three under water island’s come up to just under the surface. It is here that three female Great Whites live. On the way you will also have the opportunity to Dive White Island Volcano and take in some deep sea fishing.

Package 3 – Shark Cage Experience off the Gisborne coast – NZ$250/person (minimum 4 people) – November through March only

Get face-to-face with big mako sharks as they cruise and feed off the Gisborne coast. View sharks in safety beneath the ocean in a specially designed snorkelling cage. Aboard a 7.2m fishing boat you can also fish for hapuka, tarakihi, kingfish, tuna, snapper, trevally. All gear supplied, groups of up to six. Fish and dive prolific offshore reefs and waters. Permitted dolphin watching vessel. All round great day out!

Package 4 – Aquarium Shark Experience (no cage) – NZ$175 for certified divers, NZ$300 for non-certified divers

Your thrilling underwater guided tour will bring you up face to face with the Bronze Whaler Shark, Sevengill and Wobbegong sharks, giant stingrays and a variety of other fish. Fully qualified instructors will ensure that your dive is a never to be forgotten experience - whether you are a first time diver or a certified diver! If you are a non-diver you will have a full day starting with a Discover Scuba introductory lesson to teach you the basics to enable you to dive with the sharks with no protective caging on your first ever dive!!