Aldermen Islands

Diverse New Zealand island diving with rich marine life.

Boat Access
18m Avg Depth
40m Max Depth

About this dive site

This dive site is located at the Aldermen Islands, a popular destination near Tairua on the Coromandel Peninsula. Captain Cook himself charted this area in 1769. The islands offer an impressive array of over 30 different dive sites, providing adventures for divers of all experience levels. You’ll find a stunning variety of marine life including nudibranchs, crayfish, stingrays, dolphins, seals, turtles, marlin and even the occasional Orca sighting. The surrounding waters are rich with fish, creating truly memorable diving experiences.

The area boasts a spectacular Marine Reserve at Gemstone Bay, only 8 meters deep—an opportunity to explore a unique underwater environment often referred to as ‘Narnia’. Visibility is excellent, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty of this region.

Diving Freediving Snorkeling

Site Ratings

Big Marine Life Good
Macro Marine Life Very Good
Landscape Quality Excellent
Water Visibility Very Good Viz
Famousness Well Known

Plan Your Visit

wide anglemacro photographyturtlewhalebeginner friendlydrift diveboat dive

Marine Life

Orcadolphinsmarlinturtlessealsstingrayscrayfishnudibranchsschooling fishkelp forests

Things to Note

Difficulty:

All levels

Offers over 30 sites from shallow reserves to deep dives, accommodating all skill sets.

Hazards:
currentdepthboat traffic
Current Strength:

Variable

Diving Conditions

Water Temperature Now: 15.3°C

Wind

Tide

Swell

Swell Height (m)
Swell Period (s)

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