Mermaids Kitchen

This dive site, located in the middle of the Taputeranga Marine Reserve, offers a gentle introduction to underwater exploration. The access point features a gradual slope down to 18 meters, making it suitable for divers of various experience levels. This area is renowned for its abundant marine life. Resident Blue Cod, Blue Moki, and Spotties frequently interact with divers, often swimming closely by. A fascinating aspect of the site is its population of nesting crayfish – from large Grandaddy varieties to smaller juvenile individuals – who are comfortable around humans. At night, these crayfish become active hunters, along with many other species not typically observed during daylight hours. The seabed consists primarily of sand interspersed with a rocky area, providing diverse terrain for exploration. Divers can navigate through numerous swim-throughs and a maze-like reef structure. Visibility is generally good, ranging from 5 to 12 meters, with the best conditions usually experienced in winter months. Water temperatures range from 12 to 19 degrees Celsius, depending on the season.