Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in 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.

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

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.