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.
This is just beginning as the location of this Frigate will ensure it quickly becomes a haven for dozens of fish species. We are a official dive operator for the Canterbury. Check it out now and watch the fish life grow!
We start the dive day at 7:45am at our dive shop on Williams rd. We organize equipment and paper work, then load the boat on Paihia wharf for a 8:30am departure. If you are staying in Russell we are happy to pick you up from the wharf in Russell at 8:45am. Just phone the shop to arrange equipment.
On the way out to the dive site we cruise through the islands and often see Dolphins, Penguins, Seals and marine bird life. It takes approximately 30 minutes on Sentinel to get to Deep Water Cove, on the way out we can also organize gear and brief for the wreck dive. First up is normally the wreck dive, we then cruise to a reef area for some lunch/snorkelling and if we have any reef divers on board they do their first dive.
After lunch we then head to one of the many great reef dive sites in the Bay of Islands. This is normally a 18m or less dive exploring caves, arches, and swim throughs. Deep Water Cove is a marine reserve, so the marine life in this area is incredible.
Once all the diving is done we cruise back though the islands to Paihia, arriving at the wharf around 3:30pm. Arrival at Paihia can vary depending on how busy the boat is and if customers require to be back for a bus. If you are catching a bus in the afternoon, please let us know!
Open Water Divers…
The Canterbury lies in water deeper than 18m/60ft. As such, any Open Water divers who wish to dive the wrecks must do so in conjunction with a PADI Deep Adventure Dive (which will contribute to their Advanced Open Water certification). This costs an additional $50. You must be a certified diver to dive the wreck.
Please Bring…
Please bring your swimsuit, towel, sun block, camera, and something warm to wear after diving. You are welcome to bring your own lunch, or we are happy to provide a packed lunch for $12.00. Just let us know if you would like the meat or vegetarian option.
Cancellation Policy…
Cancellations and transfers more than 24 hours from trip departure will be accepted in most cases. Cancellations within 24 hours of trip departure will incur a cancellation fee of $100.00 per person. A substitute dive is welcome at no cost. In the event of non attendance full payment is forfeited.
This trip includes one dive on the HMNZS Canterbury and one reef dive
For divers who have most of their own equipment and need to hire tanks and weights
For divers who do not have their own equipment and need to hire a full equipment set
For divers who only have their Open Water certificate
If you have questions or if you would like to speak with one of the dive team please feel free to contact us.
Phone: +64 9 402 7551
Free: 0800 107 551(NZ Only)
Email: info@divenz.com
Web: www.divenz.com