One of the few privately owned islands in New Zealand, Slipper Island has pristine white beaches and offers privacy as well as comfort and relaxation. Within a short distance from Auckland, Taupo, and Rotorua, it is easy to access and is home to a wealth of Kiwi marine life. Here are three dive sites to explore – just a taste of all that awaits!
North and South Boulder Banks
The Boulder Banks offer depths between five and fifteen meters, and are suitable for all divers. On the southern boulder bank, you’ll find a lovely little reef that meets the sandy bottom fifteen meters below the surface. With kingfish, snapper and maomao, leatherjackets and angel fish, it is also the site of a fantastic rocky crayfish nursery where you can find lots of juveniles hiding in tiny cracks.
To the north, the reef and the seabed join at twelve meters. Just as with the southern portion, this side of the site features a variety of rocks covered in colorful growth, which shelter an abundance of crayfish and starfish, anemones, and other vibrant invertebrates and crustaceans. Look for nudibranchs and tiny wrasse, and don’t be surprised if you see a carpet shark or a few blue cod.
Crater Bay
Crater Bay is all that remains of what was once an active volcano. Above water, the curving cliff face appears to have been painted by a master artist, and below, the topography is just as splendid. With boulders large and small, eckelonia forests, and a rocky bottom that speaks of the geological forces which shaped it, the site is home to a variety of marine life. While the occasional seal or spotted ray is seen in the area, you are most likely to encounter damsels and wrasse, demoiselle and leatherjackets, yellow moray eels, red moki, and the occasional blue cod. Maximum depth here is 25 meters, but there is lots to see in much shallower water, as the largest boulders give way to the sloping rock field at about ten meters. An unbelievably beautiful multi-level site, it is suitable for all divers.
Abe’s Point
The perfect site for novices, and fun for even divers with plenty of experience, Abe’s Point features a maximum depth at just 12 meters. With huge, angular rock slabs that look like an underwater castle, the site is a geologic marvel. There are overhangs, cracks and crevices to explore, where you can find lots of crayfish and a few moray eels, and at the end of the boulder field, you will find a clean sandy bottom where rays, kingfish, and kahawai can be seen. Look for octopus and cuttlefish, and keep an eye out for small carpet sharks, as they can sometimes be seen napping in sheltered areas.
Whether you are brand new to the sport of diving, or if you have loads of experience, you are certain to enjoy a trip to Slipper Island. While some liveaboards and charters do visit, the best way to enjoy all that this little slice of paradise offers is to actually book a stay on the private island itself. Space is limited, so plan in advance for what might be the nicest getaway you’ve ever had.