Northern Highlights - 4 Day New Zealand Dive Tour         

The Best Diving in The Bay Of Islands
Explore the rolling hills, kauri forests, pristine bays, coastline and islands of the far north from both the land and by water. Dive some of the most famous as well as some of the less well known dive locations in New Zealand. Dive the magnificent Poor Knights Islands, the Rainbow Warrior and more ….. an absolute must for all keen divers!

Your Tour Itinerary

Day 1 - The Bay of Islands

After leaving “the City of Sails”, the freeways of Auckland soon give way to the open country roads of Northland. Travelling north via the Hibiscus Coast we soon arrive at The Bay of Islands.

This sub-tropical region has the finest maritime park in New Zealand with 144 islands, secluded bays, and an abundance of marine life including marlin, whales, penguins, dolphins, gannets and many other species. Being somewhat sheltered, the area is ideal for yachting, fishing, kayaking and diving. Rolling countryside, tidal estuaries, mangroves, sparkling and long silvery beaches abound.

It is an area of considerable historical significance, and is the place where Maori and European signed the Treaty of Waitangi that joined them as one nation. Long considered the cradle of Polynesian and European settlement in New Zealand, the area is rich in history and natural beauty. This is an ideal place to use as a base for expeditions to our other Northland destinations.

Day 2 - Dive the Rainbow Warrior

After making passage to the Cavalli Islands explore the wreck of the historical and controversial Greenpeace flagship – the Rainbow Warrior. Bombed in Auckland Harbour by French Secret Service agents on July 10th 1985, the wreck was relocated off the Cavalli Islands two years later. This artificial reef has matured into an ever-growing host to marine life and is an excellent shallow water wreck dive suitable for certified open water divers. The wreck is a splendour of colour with jewel coloured anemones clinging to the rails in hues of purple, yellow and blue making it a great underwater photography subject. It is the home to schools of Golden Snapper, Kingfish and John Dory.

Day 3 - Dive The Poor Knights

Taking the costal route enables everyone to enjoy a piece of pristine New Zealand coastline before we start our assent. Over the hill is Tutukaka - a safe, natural harbour with a modern marina, café, restaurants and bars. Tutukaka is the gateway to the Poor Knights Islands, 14 miles off the coast.

The Poor Knights Marine Reserve, was 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!

These islands, a wildlife reserve above water and a marine reserve below, provide a unique range of flora, fauna and fish in a dramatic setting, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Day 4 - Dive The Twin Wrecks

Recent additions to the underwater playground off the coast of Tutukaka are two ex-naval ships. Strategically sunk to make artificial reefs, the former research ship HMNZS Tui and ex-combat frigate HMNZS Waikato make a fantastic days diving. Like huge adventure playgrounds underwater, they are accessible for divers of all levels and offer challenges for those with any level of experience.

At 62 metres long HMNZS Tui now lies in 30 metres of water. You can penetrate the wreck through purpose cut access and exit points to explore the control room, bridge, crew living quarters and engine rooms via established routes. Bubbles stream through gaps in the hull from divers exploring the interior while Golden snapper shoal above the ship, waiting for the final divers to emerge before they move back to their refuge.

The HMNZS Waikato is a much larger ship - 137 metres long – and was sunk in 2000. Lying 30 metres down and bolt upright, she has large holes cut in the side making entry and exit very safe, offering less experienced divers valuable wreck diving experience. Snapper swarm over her, nipping at the anemones, sponges and hydroids, and crabs scuttle away into cracks between her plates. Kingfish cruise in like approaching aircraft making low passes, bubbles rattling up towards them from the decks below.

After a full days diving and a snack from one of the local cafés we take the short journey back to Auckland.

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 What's Included

Departure Dates

Tour Prices
Per Person in NZ$