Diving FAQ's

Not necessarily, but it depends on the dive location. Most sites have a variety of different sites to choose from, depending on your level of experience. However some dive sites, because of their location, depth or skills required, are only available to divers with the skills and experience do dive safely. You should bring with you your dive ticket and your dive log as evidence of your skills and experience.

Most people bring their own dive mask, snorkel and fins. However, dive gear can be bulky and heavy, which doesn't fit well if you are doing an extended period of travel. While many people prefer to bring their own equipment, often the benefits of having your own are seriously outweighed by the hassle of having to carry it around with you (and the risk of excess baggage charges from airlines!) and having to clean and dry your equipment while you are travelling. Good quality dive equipment is available for hire from all dive locations and we can include the cost of hire in your dive package. If you have any specific requirements (size, length, etc.) please let us know and we can make arrangements for you.

Conditions vary depending on location, weather conditions and the time of the year. Average temperatures vary between 16-22C (61-72F) in summer months and 12-15C (54-59F) in winter. Visibility is best in the months from April to September with the cooler winter period. Average site visibility for the Poor Knights varies between 15-30 metres (50-100 ft).

Most dive sites have poor weather options, but if you are booked to dive and can't due to weather conditions we will either try and re-schedule your dive, suggest an alternative, or provide you with a refund for the dive. If you are on a self-drive tour the best thing to do is to call us and discuss what options are available.

New Zealand is famous not only for its amazing diving, but also for its mountainous landscapes. As an example of an unplanned trip, driving from the central north island and heading south will take you up over 1000m, which could be a serious problem if you have recently dived! Because of this we take great care in planning our dive itineraries, taking into account your travel plans immediately after your dive to ensure the risks are minimised.

The short answer is no, but we cannot strongly enough suggest that you take travel insurance when travelling anywhere in the world. We have a number of different policies available with special coverage for diving in New Zealand. The exception to the rule is for all group dive tours - you must have travel insurance with full coverage for scuba diving to 30 metres to participate in our group dive tours.

You don't need a drysuit to dive in New Zealand. Most divers use a 5-7mm wetsuit, with a hood in winter months or when diving on the south island. If you have a drysuit though (and are certified to use it) you can of course bring it with you. If you don't have a drysuit but are certified to use one we can arrange drysuit rental for you as part of your New Zealand diving holiday. Alternatively, good quality wetsuits are available from all dive locations and the rental price can be included in your travel package.

Extend your bottom time by Multi leveling your dives. Learn important aspects, safety measures and different methods of calculation of no decompression limits including using the Wheel and Dive Computers.

Prerequisite: Must be PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent.

What to bring: Dive Tables.

We supply: Instruction, qualification.

Note: 2 dives are required to complete this course.

Not a diver yet? Then come out a week earlier and learn to dive before your tour. 5 days full time or part-time instruction. Includes theory and pool sessions and 2 days diving. On completion you will receive your PADI Open Water Diver certification. Includes course instruction, dives, books, all equipment hire and certification.

If you are in Auckland and wanting to learn to dive, visit our sister company website for full information - Global Dive Auckland

Involves gaining experience and further training in different types of diving. Two core dives - Deep and Navigation and Three elective dives such as Wreck, Boat, Underwater Naturalist. Self study required - reading book and completing knowledge reviews. Can be completed prior to or during tour. Prerequisite: Must be PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent.

What to bring: Dive Tables.

We supply: Books, instruction, qualification.

Note: 5 dives are required to complete this course.

Involves learning the special planning requirements, advantages and disadvantages of diving deeper. 4 dives will be carried out at depths between 20m and 40m. Prerequisite: Must be PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent.

What to bring: Dive Tables.

We supply: Books, instruction, qualification.

Note: 4 dives are required to complete this course.

Involves instruction on the proper care and use of different underwater cameras. 2 dives using Sea & Sea cameras to practice your techniques. Prerequisite: Must be PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent

What to bring: Dive Tables.

We supply: Books, instruction, qualification, cameras, film and developing.

Note: 2 dives are required to complete this course.

Learn about the amazing underwater environment. Learn different species of marine life, how they survive and how we can help to protect them. Includes 2 dives. Prerequisite: Must be PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent.

What to bring: Dive Tables.

We supply: Instruction, qualification.

Note: 2 dives are required to complete this course.

Learn important aspects, safety features, special entry and exit techniques etc. associated with diving from different types of boats. 2 dives.

Prerequisite: Must be PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent.

What to bring: Dive Tables.

We supply: Instruction, qualification.

Note: 2 dives are required to complete this course.