Diving in New Zealand’s Marlborough Sounds is simply amazing, and it is an experience that will never leave you. This region boasts more than three thousand kilometers of diveable coastline, calm water, fantastic reefs, and even several notorious wrecks. Here are just five of the many sites available, to start you on your way to what will certainly be a fantastic holiday.
Wellington Bay
Located on Tory Channel’s eastern side, Wellington Bay is surrounded by soaring 100 meter high cliffs and is just as awe-inspiring below the surface as it is above. With varied topography, including sea caves and arches, huge boulders, and rocky reefs covered in brilliant green kelp, it is home to numerous species of marine life. You can expect to encounter arrow squid and octopus, mackerel and maomao, silvery schools of mullet, and lots of other fish. In addition, the area is home to a healthy abalone population. Ideal for all divers, this magnificent site features depths between 8 and 18 meters, and offers visibility in the ten to twelve meter range most of the time.
Waihi Point
With shoaling butterfly perch in abundance, Waihi Point is a wonderfully sheltered site located on the eastern side of Cape Jackson. With a kelp-covered reef that begins in about 10 meters of water and moves away into deeper areas, it is a fantastic multi-level area which is suitable for all divers. Most of the time, there is a strong current in deeper water, so the usual dive profile calls for depths no greater than twelve meters. Watch for large Moki and Kingfish, crayfish, and lots of colorful starfish, anemones, and other small creatures as you explore. Visibility is usually between eight and ten meters.
Long Island
An excellent site for all divers, Long Island is Marlborough Sound’s sole marine reserve. Well protected from the weather, it is normally diveable when other sites are completely blown out, and as maximum depth is just 12 meters, it is a good place for a long, relaxing dive among a colorful and varied wealth of marine life. The crayfish here are friendly, as though they know that they are protected from becoming dinner, and you can find lots of blue cod and quite a few carpet sharks as you explore. Visibility is not as good here as it is in other nearby sites, at just five to eight meters, however the abundance of life makes up for it, without a doubt. Watch for nudibranchs and octopus, leatherjackets, and wrasse!
Kumutoto Point
If you hope to encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, this is a great place to do just that. While there are often seals napping in the sun, it is not uncommon for them to enter the water when the dive boat arrives, just so they can put on a show for you. Besides these friendly and comical creatures, you will find mating pairs of red moki, plenty of starfish and anemones, and even some nudibranchs. Look for leatherjackets and wrasse, demoiselle and blue maomao, too. Maximum depth is 16 meters, and visibility is normally between ten and twelve meters.
Fish Reserve
Located near the wreck of the Koi, Fish Reserve is home to friendly blue cod which approach divers, looking for a handout. Normally done as a second dive, the site features maximum depth at 12 meters, and offers visibility at about ten meters most of the time. Look for maomao and demoiselle, as well as butterfly perch if the current is running. Don’t be surprised if you’re joined by seals – they sometimes hunt in this area.
Unlike some areas, the Marlborough Sounds are diveable year-round. You can choose from day trips or liveaboards, and if you enjoy underwater photography, then you’ll find plenty of excellent subjects for both macro and wide angle shots. Grab your favorite dive buddy, and have a wonderful time!