The Bay of Islands offers Northland's most scenic landscape
The Bay of Islands was the first area colonized by European settlers. It has a huge amount of Maori and European history with the Treaty of Waitangi being signed at Waitangi in 1840.
Below the water we have a unique environment. The Cape Brett Peninsula is washed with the East Auckland Current. This is a branch of the East Australian Current and brings tropical fish to a temperate zone. We see fish like Lord Howe Coralfish, Gold Ribbon Grouper, and Toadstool Grouper. We are also lucky that we get Stingrays breeding in our caves and archways. During the summer months large schools of fish can be seen feeding on the surface around the Hole in the Rock. Deep Water Cove is now a marine reserve and has an abundant amount of fish life inhabiting the wreck of the Canterbury.
Diving conditions through the year
We dive all year round. What changes is the water, and what you can see in it.
Autumn, March to May
The best of the year. Visibility is normally 15 to 30 metres and sometimes more, and the water is still holding its summer warmth at 19 to 22°C.
Summer, December to February
The warmest water, 20 to 22°C, and the most variable visibility — anywhere from 8 metres to over 20. This is when the large schools of fish feed on the surface around the Hole in the Rock.
Winter, June to August
The coldest water at 16 to 18°C, but the visibility is dependable at around 15 metres.
Spring, September to November
Still 16 to 18°C, and the least reliable visibility of the year. It averages 8 to 12 metres and can drop to 5.
What you will wear
Below 18°C we put you in a 7mm one-piece with a hooded vest, boots and gloves. Above 18°C it is the same suit with the hood and gloves optional. In high summer at around 22°C a 5mm is plenty. Wetsuit hire is $20 on our charters, hood included.
Travelling to Paihia from Auckland
Intercity Coachlines
New Zealand National Passenger Network. Free phone from NZ: 0800-468-372. Intercity Coaches depart from Sky City, central Auckland.
Air New Zealand Flights
From Auckland to Bay of Islands Airport departing from Auckland Domestic Air Terminal. This flight is 45 minutes. The airport is approximately 22km from Paihia, Bay of Islands. The airport has shuttle buses to bring you to your hotel on request.
Driving from Auckland is probably the most simple journey possible. Just head north on state highway 1 till you see a turn off for state highway 10. Follow signs to Bay Of Islands and then Paihia. You will see us on the right hand side of the road next to the ASB Bank.
