Nestled in a sheltered area near the northern edge of the Bay of Plenty at New Zealand’s North Island, White Island is an active volcano. The island itself is estimated to be approximately 200,000 years old, and its name was bestowed by Captain Cook himself. Surrounded by amazing geothermal features and incredible sea life alike, the island offers several different dive sites, most of which are suitable even for the newest diver. Here are just five of those sites.
The Spanish Arch
Located in a peaceful cove behind South Rock, the Spanish Arch features a maximum depth at just 15 meters, and is a fun swimthrough. Covered in colorful corals and sponges, it is home to some very large lobsters, as well as schooling big eye, hundreds of blue maomao, and well-hidden scorpionfish, to name just a few. Ideal for all divers, the site is a photographer’s dream.
Homestead Reef
At the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century, miners exploited White Island, taking sulfur from its wealth of mineral deposits. Abandoned after years of disastrous accidents, the homestead that gives the site its name has become nothing more than a splintered rubble of old boards. The mine, too, has decayed, and when the last disaster there killed all the miners, only a pet cat survived. Today, aerial shots show a flow of sulfur entering the sea near the position of this reef, particularly after heavy rain.
Perched above a ledge that ends in a dramatic drop-off into the abyss, Homestead Reef features maximum depth at 30 meters, and is best known for its huge and diverse fish population. With blue maomaos in abundance, as well as leatherjackets and moray eels hiding in volcanic rock crevices, plus passing kingfish and other pelagics, it is truly incredible. The reef begins in just 12 meters of water and is ideal for all divers.
Volkner Rocks
Also known as Diadema Rock, the Volkner Rocks are a small cluster of rocky pinnacles which are located a full five nautical miles to the northwest of White Island. Here, you can see the remains of an ancient underwater volcano which was probably once just as large or larger than White Island is today. Home to the endangered diadema urchins which give the site its alternate name, this pinnacle ascends from the seabed about 40 meters below, reaching toward the surface and missing by just 8 meters. You’ll find black coral at the base of the pinnacle, as well as gorgonians and sea fans, and if you are lucky, you just might encounter a shark or two. Look for the Lord Howe Coral Fish, too. The Volkner Rocks are washed by a steady current that can make diving a challenge; the site is reserved for those with plenty of experience.
Champagne Bay
Positioned at the northeast corner of White Island, Champagne Bay features small vents where warm geothermal gases blend with the seawater, creating tiny bubbles that caress you as you explore. Plant life thrives here, and the fish are plentiful. Maximum depth is just 20 meters, and visibility is typically quite good at about 20 meters. The area is perfect for all divers, and can be enjoyed by snorkelers, as well.
The Springs
With volcanic vents that release hot water, warming the surrounding sea, The Springs features a mini wall toward the north, and offers huge volcanic boulders where you can find everything from sea urchins to lobsters, to tiny fish and other macro life. You can also find stingrays and spotted eagle rays enjoying the warm water here. With depths from 5 to 25 meters, the site is perfect for all divers to enjoy.
Full of surprises, and fantastic to see from both above and below the surface, White Island is constantly changing. Most of the dive operators in the area arrange frequent trips to the island, and like other New Zealand regions, it is a perfect place for underwater photography. Simply unforgettable!