If you have spent any time with us at Paihia Dive, you’ve likely seen me around the shop or out on the boat, making sure everything is running smoothly. But for those of you who haven’t met me yet, I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself properly and share a little bit about the journey that led me here.

My name is Craig Johnston, and I am the owner of Paihia Dive. While I’ve been lucky enough to dive all over the world, my heart has always remained firmly anchored here in the Bay of Islands, where I grew up.

A Life Beneath the Surface

My own diving journey began right here when I was 15 years old. I started out the way many of our students do: by hanging around the dive shop, helping out on weekends, and filling tanks. It was that initial spark of curiosity that turned into a lifelong passion.

Looking back, it’s hard to believe how far that journey has taken me. I’ve now been diving for 37 years and have logged approximately 15,000 dives. I spent nine years working as a senior skipper for Dive! Tutukaka, gaining invaluable experience on the water, before returning to the Bay in 2010 to take the helm at the very shop where I first learned to dive.

The Rainbow Warrior Connection

One of the most profound aspects of my career has been my relationship with the Rainbow Warrior. Paihia Dive has been running trips to this iconic wreck since 1987, and I’ve been diving it since 1988. It has been a privilege to witness how this vessel has transformed into a vibrant, living ecosystem over the decades. It’s more than just a dive site to me; it’s a piece of history that I am proud to share with divers from all over the world.

Keeping It in the Family

Today, Paihia Dive remains a family-focused operation. It’s been incredibly rewarding to watch my three sons grow up and see them find their own paths, and I’m proud to say that all three are still a part of the Paihia Dive story:

• Toby: A mainstay in the shop and leads our freediving expeditions.
• Hamish: Based in Australia but returns to the Bay every summer to work as a Dive Instructor.
• Vinnie: Helps out part-time in the shop, bringing his own energy to our daily operations.

For us, this isn’t just about scuba trips. It’s about the community, the incredible natural beauty of our local coastline, and the lifestyle that comes with it. Whether we are exploring the caves and arches of Cape Brett or showing a first-time diver the wonders of the Bay of Islands, our goal remains the same: to provide safe, high-quality, and memorable experiences that share our love for the marine environment.

We’ve recently transitioned to the SSI training system to bring even more modern, flexible learning tools to our students, and we’re excited about what the future holds.

If you’re planning your next dive, come say hi at the shop. I’d love to hear about your latest underwater adventures—or help you start your own.

Happy diving,

Craig Johnston
Owner, Paihia Dive