New Zealand Diving has been about collecting, fishing and crayfish. But with dwindling numbers and more protected areas. We need to look at diving in a new way. There is so much to see and experience……
The waters surrounding Aotearoa’s North Island are a compelling reason to take the plunge, and learn to dive. From world-class marine reserves to iconic shipwrecks and vibrant reef systems, 2025–26 has already delivered exceptional underwater experiences — and it’s only summer.
If you’re considering starting your dive journey or advancing your certification with Dive HQ Auckland, there’s never been a better time to explore what lies beneath the surface. With increasing seasonal activity in the Hauraki Gulf and beyond, adult and youth divers are enjoying memorable encounters with marine life and extraordinary submerged landscapes.
Unforgettable Marine Life Encounters
Whether you’re training with us at Dive HQ Auckland or exploring further afield, New Zealand’s coastal waters offer sightings that appeal to divers of all levels:
- The Bay of Islands / Te Pēwhairangi remains a standout destination. Paihia Dive highlights regular sightings of diverse reef species around Deep Water Cove and the iconic HMNZS Canterbury and Rainbow Warrior wrecks. Their Instagram shared recent dives to the Canterbury and White Reef where schools of blue maomao and long-tail stingrays were observed — classic examples of the region’s abundant marine life. Check out Dive Pahia their recent Facebook posted a video of a large humpback whale underwater 🐋.
- Dive! Tutukaka / Dive Now continues to operate frequent charters to the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, widely regarded as one of the world’s premier temperate dive locations. Divers regularly report large schools of subtropical fish exploring arches, walls, and caves formed by volcanic topography — truly immersive environments for those ready to advance beyond pool skills.
Auckland Region area divers sometimes see dynamic marine mammals, including dolphins and whales and Orca cruising into the Hauraki Gulf — a magical sight on surface intervals or from your boat. The high pitch sound of delight are heard underwater fro fellow divers.
Whether you’re learning with us at Goat Island, on a night dive at Matheson’s Bay, or exploring caves and arches further afield — our underwater world is packed with life just waiting to be discovered.
- Along the Coromandel Peninsula, Dive Zone Whitianga emphasises the seasonal shift as warmer water arrives — meaning more frequent encounters with ray species and healthy reef communities, plus excellent visibility for adult divers refining their underwater navigation and buoyancy. Dive Zone Whitianga.
These regional experiences showcase the variety available across North Island dive sites — from temperate reef life in the Hauraki Gulf to the biological richness of Northland waters where tropical and temperate species mix.
Why Interested Beginner Divers Should Take the Plunge Now
New Zealand’s seas are not only scenic above water; they are places of dynamic underwater ecosystems, rich historical context, and evolving seasonal patterns:
Nudibrach Credit Nigel Marsh Photography 
Pink Mao Mao Credit Nigel Marsh 
Stingray Credit Nigel Marsh
- Grow Your Skillset in Real Conditions: Courses at Dive HQ are designed to transition you from confined water confidence to open water mastery — so you can appreciate the vibrant marine environments beyond the classroom.
- Active Marine Seasons: Warmer summer waters bring increased marine activity, clearer visibility and longer days — ideal conditions for both beginners and trained divers alike.
- Bridging Local Dive Cultures: Operators like Paihia Dive and Dive Tutukaka emphasise how regular dive trips enhance your appreciation of marine biodiversity, whether it’s through wreck dives or sheltered reef explorations.
As one experienced guide from the Bay of Islands simply puts it, exploring sites such as the Rainbow Warrior and Deep Water Cove reefs is like entering “another world” where life thrives in ways most people never see from the surface. New Zealand
While we don’t run day trips from our Auckland Store to the Poor Knight. We still have people pop of the SH20 after arriving from overseas at Auckland Airport. We can hire gear and tanks and have some great gear packages if you decide to buy while you are here. All you need is a bond a vehicle and your PADI No or relevant diver training No.
Your Next Step with Dive HQ Auckland
If you’ve ever been curious about what’s beneath the waves — from colourful reef dwellers, stingrays, morays, schools of fish, to occasionally more elusive visitors through the Gulf — now is the ideal moment to begin or continue your diving journey.
If you are keen to get back into or learn to dive Dive HQ Auckland offer a range of PADI Reactivate Courses, Holiday 4 day learn to dive programmes and 2x weekend learn to dive programmes all through the year. Please note Refresher Course students need to call before booking their pool or ocean day. 09 213 1328 info@divehqauckland.co.nz
And, If you love the ocean and sea creatures and people, and you have 10 months you can dedicate to your own development. Why not consider finding out about our NZQA Diploma in Professional Scuba Instruction.
It could change your life…..
Adult divers here in Auckland and across the North Island are actively logging exceptional sightings this summer, and we’d love to help you be part of that story. Check out our current course and trip calendar, including Open Water and Advanced training options:
👉 https://www.divehqauckland.co.nz/diploma-information