Dive in Kaikoura
Nine Dives, Picton, Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand
03 573 7199 or 021 1146997
another dive adventure in Kaikoura
Although the weather is not as reliable as the sounds, it makes for some really good dives if you are lucky with the weather and sea conditions.
What is so special about diving in Kaikoura ?
Set against the backdrop of the Kaikoura ranges, the undersea world of Kaikoura
is fantastic and challenging. The upwelling of water to the south due
to a sub tropical convergence of warmer Northern and cooler (Sub Antartic)
currents means large concentrations of nutrients come to the surface.
That is why the dolphins, whales and the seals are here.
The limestone reefs of the Kaikoura Peninsula are home to a wide variety of
plant and animal life and finning over the reef gives the diver a birds-eye view
of what is happening beneath the kelp.
In the summer the sea temperature can be expected to reach around 16-18 degrees
C. 7mm thick wetsuits or dry suits are advised.
Visibility is very changeable around the Peninsula and is affected by rainfall,
winds, tides and swells. Average visibility is 4-7 meters, after calm seas and
northwesterly winds visibility can increase to up to 14 meters.
The traveling time to get to the dive sites around the Kaikoura Peninsula range
from a 5-30 min boat ride from the harbour and coastal dive sites accessible along the coast
when you come from the Blenheim direction
Interesting diving is around the Kaikoura Peninsula or a quick 30 min boat ride
to Barney's Rock.
Dive sites are chosen on the day with regards to sea conditions, visibility,
wind, and level of diver experience. Strong surge and poor viz may prohibit inexperienced divers.
Marine Life Encounters
The marine life species found in Kaikoura are typical of temperate reef habitats
and there is also an abundance of invertebrates like sponges, anemones, sea tulips,
nudibranches, sea stars, sea urchins, crayfish, octopus, and paua, they all
compete for space over the rocky reefs, while an array of fish species just hang
out in the kelp forests.
Bushett Shoals
This is Kaikoura’s best dive site! Situated 20 miles down the coast, this is diving at its best. The reef is covered in life! The isolated nature of the Bushett Shoals make them one of the best dive sites inear Kaikoura, however divers wishing to dive them need to have some experience to be comfortable.
Barneys Rock
6 miles down the Kaikoura coast, Barneys Rock is a great wall diving, covered in jewel anemones, sponges, nudibranchs, and with lush kelp forests. A wildlife sanctuary, a breeding area to a variety of seabirds - shags, terns, gulls... One of Kaikouras most accessible and exciting dive sites.
email us or give us a call on
International on 0064 3573 7199 or 03 5737199 and 021 1146997 in New Zealand
for more dive sites and dive info click on the following links