Northern Diving Safari

Explore the rolling hills, kauri forests, pristine bays, coastline and islands of the far north, from both land and water. Dive some of the most famous as well as some of the less well known dive locations in New Zealand. Dive the magnificent Poor Knights Islands, the Rainbow Warrior and more... an absolute must for all keen divers.

Day 1. The Bay of Islands
After leaving 'the City of Sails', the freeways of Auckland soon give way to the open country roads of Northland. Travelling north via the Hibiscus Coast we soon arrive at the Bay of Islands.

This sub-tropical region has the finest maritime park in New Zealand with 144 islands, secluded bays, and an abundance of marine life including marlin, whales, penguins, dolphins, gannets and many other species. Being somewhat sheltered, the area is ideal for yachting, fishing, kayaking and diving. Rolling countryside, tidal estuaries, mangroves, sparkling and long silvery beaches abound. It is an area of considerable historical significance, and is the place where Maori and European signed the Treaty of Waitangi that joined them as one nation. Long considered the cradle of Polynesian and European settlement in New Zealand, the area is rich in history and natural beauty.

Day 2. Dive the Rainbow Warrior
After making passage to the Cavalli Islands explore the wreck of the historical and controversial Greenpeace flagship - the Rainbow Warrior.

Bombed in Auckland Harbour by French Secret Service agents on July 10th 1985, the wreck was relocated off the Cavalli Islands two years later. This artificial reef has matured into an ever-growing host to marine life and is an excellent shallow water wreck dive suitable for certified open water divers. The wreck is a splendour of colour with jewel coloured anemones clinging to the rails in hues of purple, yellow and blue making it a great underwater photography subject. It is the home to schools of Golden Snapper, Kingfish and John Dory.

Day 3. Dive The Poor Knights
Taking the costal route enables everyone to enjoy a piece of pristine New Zealand coastline before we start our ascent. Over the hill is Tutukaka - a safe, natural harbour with a modern marina, cafe, restaurants and bars. Tutukaka is the gateway to the Poor Knights Islands, 14 miles off the coast.

The Poor Knights Marine Reserve, was named by Jacques Cousteau as one of the top 10 dive sites in the world. The warm currents here originate in the Coral Sea, so the water temperature is higher and visibility greater than that of nearby coastal waters. Born from volcanic activity, tropical and sub-tropical life abounds in this unique underwater environment. Caves, tunnels and archways are all home to great schools of friendly colourful fish - great photography!

These islands, a wildlife reserve above water and a marine reserve below, provide a unique range of flora, fauna and fish in a dramatic setting, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Day 4. Dive The Twin Wrecks
Recent additions to the underwater playground off the coast of Tutukaka are two ex-naval ships. Strategically sunk to make artificial reefs, the former research ship HMNZS Tui and ex-combat frigate HMNZS Waikato make a fantastic day's diving. Like huge adventure playgrounds underwater, they are accessible for divers of all levels and offer challenges for those with any level of experience.

At 62 metres long HMNZS Tui now lies in 30 metres of water. You can penetrate the wreck through purpose cut access and exit points to explore the control room, bridge, crew living quarters and engine rooms. Bubbles stream through gaps in the hull from divers exploring the interior while Golden snapper shoal above the ship, waiting for the final divers to emerge before they move back to their refuge.

The HMNZS Waikato is a much larger ship - 137 metres long - and was sunk in 2000. Lying 30 metres down and bolt upright, she has large holes cut in the side making entry and exit very safe, offering less experienced divers valuable wreck diving experience. Snapper swarm over her, nipping at the anemones, sponges and hydroids, and crabs scuttle away into cracks between her plates. Kingfish cruise in like approaching aircraft making low passes, bubbles rattling up towards them from the decks below.

After a full day diving and a snack from one of the local cafes we take the short journey back to Auckland.

Grade A-B
Average of 4-5 hrs physical activity per day.
Reasonable standard of fitness required.

This tour involves scuba diving, which requires previous experience and competency.

One part of what makes this tour unique is the great people that you will encounter. The guides on your tour and your activity advisors are the best in their fields. Whether they are world famous photographers, oceanographers or Olympic athletes, these characters will ensure your experience is truly unique with an educational spin.

The keynote of this holiday is informality. Dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and night spots. You will therefore, need mainly casual clothes. Below is a suggested list. Remember the basic rule "Pack light".

Essential Items

Diving certification cards

Dive log book

Other:

1 pair jeans

1 pair lightweight trousers

2 pairs shorts (or a skirt)

3-4 short sleeve t-shirts or tank tops

2 button up front long-sleeve shirts

sleepwear

1 light sweatshirt or long-sleeve t-shirt

1 swimming suit

4-5 pairs underwear

4-5 pairs socks

1 pair comfortable walking shoes

1 pair sport sandal (preferably with heel strap)

1 polar fleece or similar fleece jacket (preferably wind proof/water resistant)

1 pair hiking boots or strong walking shoes

Motion sickness tablets (if required)

Light waterproof jacket

Warm thermal garments (in winter)

PLEASE NOTE: LUGGAGE IS RESTRICTED TO ONE REASONABLE SIZED SUITCASE OR BACKPACK AND ONE DAYPACK.

Transport and all transfers are by comfortable air conditioned vehicle. On the road you will travel in 8-12 seater air-conditioned vehicle. Your water transport will vary depending on the location and size of group. Typically
dive boats carry 12-20 divers and are equipped with tea/coffee/soup making facilities and a toilet.

Meals are provided as follows: breakfasts daily and 3 lunches.

You will stay in comfortable motel-style accommodation, usually on a twin-share basis. You may request a single room. Single supplement applies.

Items of a personal nature, such as laundry, phone calls, tipping, room service, optional excursions, wine & beverages, etc., are not included in tour.

International and New Zealand departure taxes, customs and immigration fees are not included in tour.

Medical examinations if required for assessing suitability to dive.

Hire of diving equipment.

Certain activities require a minimum level of experience in order to participate and we expect you to be honest with us in assessing your level of fitness and abilities. Where applicable we will advise you of these requirements in good faith. You accept full responsibility for ensuring you have the relevant experience, licences and certifications required to participate in these activities and carry documents to that effect.

By agreeing to these booking conditions you confirm that you are in good health for the activities which you are undertaking and have advised fully any medical history of heart or lung disorders, asthma or epilepsy, or insulin or drug dependency. You agree that you will not participate in activities if you are feeling unwell or undertake any diving activities if you have a chest cold or respiratory congestion while on the tour. You further understand that if you have any medical condition contrary to these requirements that you must produce a diving medical certificate completed by a diving medical specialist.


Payment: For bookings more than 4 months in advance a deposit of 20% can be paid, with full payment due 10 weeks prior to departure. For bookings within 4 months, full payment is required at the time of booking. Deposits are non-refundable.

Cancellations: Cancellations will be based on the following:
Less than 70 days before departure - loss of deposit
69-45 days before departure - 50% refund
44-31 days before departure - 25% refund
30 days or less before departure - no refund

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory for this dive tour. We strongly recommend participants have comprehensive travel insurance for all travel.

This tour is run in conjunction with another operator.