Paihia Dive

Small reef top out of water at low tide. Drops off to 9m deep - sand and mixed kelp. Dive with flag always as boat traffic can be a issue. Normally little current

Taupiri Bay has a sandy sloping bottom with a fairly significant reef structure that curves out from the left side of the shore. Max depth is 8-10m with a favourable tide.

With the option to dive either the western or eastern side, Motuwheke Island is a rocky reef dive. Kelp covered boulders can be found on the western side where depths from 15-25m, with greater depths of 25m to 45m on the eastern side.

Rocky kelpy reef in 10m of water on the inward side of the island leads out to 18-25m towards the seawards side as one circumnavigates the island. An underwater cavern is a main feature of this dive, approximately 5m wide at the entrance.

The former Navy Frigate Canterbury F421 now rests in Deep Water Cove near Cape Brett. Upright and intact, she makes for an impressive sight in a great dive location! Divers hit the bow at about 20m and can swim through the bridge to the helicopter hanger at 27m. The upper deck, bridge and first floor levels are easily within recreational diving range.The lower levels are for more advanced divers with the stern resting at approximately 36m. Fish are already making themselves at home aboard the Canterbury, with resident schools in the bridge and around the funnel.

A long finger extends from the land towards the sea. The finger starts at 12m and runs west down to 25m, where it drops further. Towards the deeper end of the finger there is a swim through. Further in towards the land there are big boulders and a small cavern.