Diving north of Aucland

[LUCAS]

I'm 14 and im currently in the process of getting my Open Water Dive Certificate and I want to get some experience and was wondering if anyone knows of good diving spots close to somewhere you can hire gear that isnt too expensive. Im going up to cape reianga halfway through january next year and staying at a few camping grounds. Also anyone whos keen to come for a dive with me PM me and let me know.

[Phedder]

Anywhere and everywhere in the bay of islands.

[Cameron_R]

Hi Lucas,

Probably the wrong forum for your question! Post your question on http://www.scubadive.net.nz and you'll get a bunch of answers, but while I'm here ...

1. Goat Island is AMAZING for beginners, and has a dive shop within 5 mins where you can hire gear. The size, variety, and amount of life in the reserve is mind blowing (especially if you're doing your OW course in Lake Pupuke!).

2. The Poor Knights Islands are spectacular and there are several operators going out from Tutukaka who'll give you a boat ride and gear hire.

3. The Bay of Islands is amazing as well. You have the HMNZS Canterbury there as well as some amazing reef/deep/cray/everything diving.

4. Any of the islands of the Hauraki Gulf - but you'll need to hire gear in Auckland then find a separate charter boat to take you out there.

5. Further North, you get to Matauri Bay where the Rainbow Warrior is resting .....

I could go on and on, but like I said, probably the wrong forum.

Cameron

[AgentOrange]

Anywhere and everywhere in the bay of islands.

dude do you LIVE online?

[INSPECTOR64]

Hi Lucas,

Probably the wrong forum for your question! Post your question on http://www.scubadive.net.nz and you'll get a bunch of answers, but while I'm here ...

1. Goat Island is AMAZING for beginners, and has a dive shop within 5 mins where you can hire gear. The size, variety, and amount of life in the reserve is mind blowing (especially if you're doing your OW course in Lake Pupuke!).

2. The Poor Knights Islands are spectacular and there are several operators going out from Tutukaka who'll give you a boat ride and gear hire.

3. The Bay of Islands is amazing as well. You have the HMNZS Canterbury there as well as some amazing reef/deep/cray/everything diving.

4. Any of the islands of the Hauraki Gulf - but you'll need to hire gear in Auckland then find a separate charter boat to take you out there.

5. Further North, you get to Matauri Bay where the Rainbow Warrior is resting .....

I could go on and on, but like I said, probably the wrong forum.

Cameron

Great spot,Big snapper/kingis/crays/scallops,Well worth visiting.

[Pseudonym]

If you're up by the Cape, anywhere on the Karikari peninsula is good. There's a dive shop in Whatuwhiwhi as well. Try this for more info:

http://akunidive.com/about-our-destinations/

Incidentally, the Auckland Uni dive club is a good one to join. You don't have to be a student there (or at all!) and their trips are cheap and incredibly well-organised.

[Cameron_R]

5. Further North, you get to Matauri Bay where the Rainbow Warrior is resting .....

Great spot,Big snapper/kingis/crays/scallops,Well worth visiting.

Incidentally, the Auckland Uni dive club is a good one to join. You don't have to be a student there (or at all!) and their trips are cheap and incredibly well-organised.

:ditto:

A school of Demoiselles on True Love Reef, Matauri Bay. Auckland University Underwater Club Easter trip to Matauri Bay.

[tomsammce]

goat island and the rest of the marine reserve... rape and pillage it... Mint!