Lake diving holds a special appeal for many divers. Easy to access in most cases, lake dive sites in New Zealand can be walked or driven to, and each holds its own secrets. Whether you are new to diving, or if you have plenty of experience, you will very likely find at least one of these lake dives appealing. Let’s take a quick look at some of these incredibly beautiful sites.
Lake Taupo
With easy entry points located just about 5 minutes away from Taupo’s Dive Inn, Lake Taupo is home to freshwater plants in abundance, as well as an interesting variety of other aquatic life. You’ll find snails and crayfish, trout and catfish, cockabullies and mussels, smelt, and even brilliant orange freshwater sponges. With beautiful walls which were formed over the millennia, this lake was once a volcano. Geologists believe that the explosion which transformed it from mountain to lake was the largest eruption ever, as rocks from the mountain have been found in the Northern hemisphere. Located 357 meters above sea level, this is a high elevation site. Maximum depth is 186 meters, however, there is no need to go beyond 10-20 meters to find an abundance of life as well as lots of lost fishing lures. This is a great area for all divers to explore, and offers good visibility at about 10-20 meters most of the time.
Lake Okataina
Located just about an hour away from Rotorua, Lake Okataina is a crater lake which holds many secrets. People have found various Maori artifacts, and there are even a few submerged Maori Pa; at least one of which still has erect palisades. Although this is intriguing, some divers find it quite spooky as though it is haunted, which could very well be true! In addition, many parts of the lake are off –limits to divers, so be sure that you go with a local guide in order to avoid trespassing.
With plenty of brilliant green lakeweed acting as a backdrop, the lake is home to plentiful crayfish and trout, along with snails and other freshwater creatures. Interestingly, the water level in this lake fluctuates with geologic activity, and has risen steadily over the past one hundred years. Today, it is about 30 feet deeper than it was 100 years ago. Average depth in the lake is still relatively shallow at 44 meters, and there is a heavy layer of silt on the bottom which is easily kicked up, reducing visibility to nearly zero. With most features in fairly shallow water, this lake is great for all divers.
Lake Tarawera
Meaning Burnt Spear in the Maori language, Tarawera was formed when a volcano erupted, burning Maori villages and causing massive destruction. You can still feel the effects of the geothermal activity here, as there are hot mineral springs which feed thermal pools that are great for relaxing after a dive in this somewhat chilly lake.
Home to eels and rainbow trout, as well as others, the lake has beautiful beaches and offers a maximum depth at 57 meters, though most features are in much shallower water. Popular with fishermen and other water sports enthusiasts, this enormous lake covers 41 square kilometers and provides everyone with plenty of opportunities for recreation.
Lake Waikaromoana
Located in Te Urewera National Park on New Zealand’s North Island, Lake Waikaromoana covers an extensive area of about 54 square kilometers. Translated from the Maori, its name means Sea of Rippling Waters. The lake was created when a landslide created a natural dam, which drowned a massive Totara forest. Many of the trees which were here almost 2,500 years ago are still rooted in the lake’s bottom.
With a population that includes trout, crayfish, and freshwater eels, the lake is sacred to the Maori people and holds interest for archaeologists and paleontologists, as well. The bones of the flightless Moa, a giant species of bird which became extinct prior to European settlement, have been discovered buried in the centuries-old mud on the bottom. With maximum depth at an astounding 256 meters, it is impossible to say what sort of secrets may be discovered as technology allows us to dive ever deeper. Luckily, there are lots of shallow areas to explore, and with fantastic rock formations plus visibility at about 10 meters most of the time, this is an ideal place for all divers to enjoy.
Secret Lake
If you want to dive at Secret Lake, you will need to go with a local guide who knows its whereabouts. A closely guarded secret (hence, the name), the lake is covered in fungal formations, which can be destroyed by divers’ bubbles. Photos of the lake’s underwater environment reveal that the water is incredibly clear – you can see from one side of it to the other. The lake also looks to be fairly shallow, with a brilliant green coating of algae on the bottom and splendid sunlight penetrating from above. Sunken trees may pose a snag hazard, but as the site is remote, it is not a place where you will encounter many other pitfalls. No boats, no lost fishing gear, and very few divers make it magical.
There is some speculation that part of the lake may lead to an underwater cave system, and if that is true, then it has yet to be explored by anyone willing to reveal his or her findings. Doubtless, a trip to this site will entail some trekking, and if you are lucky enough to enjoy a visit, you will very likely be sworn to secrecy. The few who know Secret Lake’s whereabouts hope to preserve it for times to come.
With countless new discoveries just waiting to be made, these wonderful freshwater dive sites promise endless hours of fun, photography, relaxation and enjoyment. Last but not least, you won’t need to clean salt from your gear when you are finished for the day. Whether you get to visit all these sites or just one, there are marvelous resorts nearby, and there are countless recreational opportunities to enjoy while you are not diving.