Wellington

New Zealand



Park opposite "194 The Esplanade" and you'll see the pathway down to the entry

Island Bay

The country's newest shipwreck and dive attraction is already covered in algae and home to a myriad of sea life. The former Leander-class Navy frigate HMNZS Wellington was sunk off Island Bay in Wellington on November 13 after six years of planning and preparation.

The top of the bridge and the ship's helicopter hangar was only six metres below the surface at low tide and could be dived on by snorkellers. Mr Zeeman said divers with air tanks had said the internal dive on the ship could be done without a torch because there were so many holes cut in the ship which let in a lot of light. The ship had already attracted a lot of sealife, with schools of red cod and juvenile fish. 

The ship sank in less than two minutes after a huge fireball exploded over the bridge and bow of the ship, and carefully placed explosive charges blew out precut holes in the hull, shown in the above right image. The ship was built in England in 1969 for the Royal Navy and named HMS Bacchante. It was bought by the New Zealand Government in 1981 and renamed HMNZS Wellington.



This dive site is only 5 minutes from the cities airport. Located off the south coast is lies les than 1 kilometers off shore and is probably the most accessible divewreck on the planet.

Stern of vessel F69 will be at approx GPS point +41deg 21.270S • 174 deg 46.770E 

F69 is also known as HMNZS Wellington.

Formally established in May 1992 the reserve's underwater scenery is generally regarded as some of the finest in the greater Wellington region.  Good variety for photography.  Those with a mask and snorkel could explore the rocks close to the shore.  Scuba diving is the most rewarding on the western side and the north end of the Island.  There are some remarkable features such as the rock archway on the western side of the island known as "Hole In The Wall".  Other areas particularly good include Tokohaki Reef, Boulder Bank, Rangatira Point, Passage Rocks, West Point, Kaiwharawhara, Onepoto Rock, Arapawaiti, the Cathedral and many many more.  It is unusual to find three common marine habitats of the Marlborough Sounds and Wellington region in such a confined area.  The boulder bottom, sheltered reef and sand bottom habitats are home to a rich variety of marine life.  Orange and yellow sponges, some very rare, the colours, the reefs and luxuriant seaweed beds feed kina & paua.  Starfish, corals, anemones, octopus, stingrays & eagle rays, nudibranchs and reef fish such as blue & red cod, butterfish and red moki are just some of the residents of these waters.  Visitors to Kapiti's exceptionally clear waters include ocean fish like king fish & blue moki and on occasions rare and subtropical fish such as the spotted black groper, drumfish and magpie perch.  You may also see dolphins, seal colonies and blue penguins. Source: http://www.diversworld.co.nz

Several dive sites around the Island:
- Tokahaki Reef (N)
- Boulder Bank (NE)
- Kaiwhara Point (W)
- Waterfall Bay (SE)
- Aeroplane Island (SE)
- Browns Island (SE)

7 km by sea from Paraparaumu.

Kapiti Island

On 16 February 1986 the Mikhail Lermontov, a 155 metre long ship with 408 passengers and 330 crew, left Picton. 

The ship struck Perham rock (a submerged rock) between Cape Jackson and Jackson Head. Although the ship was built for ice breaking, this proved too much strain on the hull and the damage caused was 2 gashes of 40 feet long about 100 feet back from the port beam. The ship was filling up with water fast and headed for port Gore beach. There was only one life lost when the ship sunk in 37 metres of water.

The Lermontov now lies on her Starboard side and is fully intact. The Lermontov is a fantastic diving experience. The bridge, pool area, propellers and hull damage are all easily assessable. 

Penetration dives are NOT recommended unless with an experienced guide!!!!!!!!

The wreck is now an artificial reef & is encrusted with invertebrate life and home to schools of local fish. 

Visibility on the outside of the wreck can range from 5-15+ metres, inside the wreck it averages around 12 metres. 


The Mikhail Lermontov is a day trip dive from Picton. It can take anywhere up to 2.5hrs each way from Waikawa Bay heading up Queen Charlotte Sound, and around Cape Jackson at 10 knots(depending on weather and surface conditions).

The weather can play a major part in getting to and from the dive site as part of the journey is in the Outer Sounds. The surface conditions can go from calm to EXTREME!!! The conditions can also change within an hour or less!!!

The Lermontov is marked with surface buoys in Port Gore and with a little local knowledge its easy to find. 

Mikhail Lermontov

Shallow dive. Bottom is mainly sandy with a few rocks. Ideal for beginners and orienteering. Visibility can vary greatly.

Easy access by vehicle at both ends. Boat ramp is located at the end of the road on the left with access from a sandy beach, boulders anywhere else. 

Cable bay

Lynch's Reef

seal colony

A few kilometres south of Kaikoura (just south of Peketa)

Barneys' Rock

This is Kaikoura's best dive site!

20 miles down the coast from Kaikoura.

Bushett Shoals

Plateau up from 25m to 21m. Lots of crayfish and some blue cods. Visibility can be very low (<1m).

Hard spot to find if you do not know it. A bit more than 30 min from Motunau beach.

Motunau - plateau

Established in 1999 the reserve cover 215ha east of entrance to Akaroa Harbour. Very exposed coast with boulders, rock stacks, steep cliffs, kelp forests and cold temperate reef fish.
Blue penguins can appear at dusk and Hector's dolphins common in summer.
(www.divenewzealand.com)

Entrance to Akaroa Harbour near Christchurch

Flea Bay is also known as Pohatu Marine Reserve.

Flea Bay

Exposed if the wind is from the east and a swell is running. Patches of reef.  Butterfish, wrasses, nudibranchs and Hector's dolphins!

Entrance to Akaroa Harbour near Christchurch

Island Bay

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Island Bay