Dive! Tutukaka

Located at the Tutukaka Marina, this centre has been a fixture of the New Zealand diving scene since 1998. It serves as the primary gateway to the Poor Knights Islands, a subtropical marine reserve situated within the currents of the East Auckland Current.

Whether you are looking for a basic introductory dive or advanced professional training, the facility is designed to handle everything from snorkeling to instructor-level certifications. The proximity to the marine reserve ensures that you spend more time in the water and less time in transit.

As a PADI 5-Star IDC Centre, the facility provides high-level training through a staff of qualified professionals. The team includes marine biologists and technical diving specialists, ensuring a deep understanding of the local ecosystem and advanced diving techniques.

Instruction is delivered in both English and French. To ensure safety and a personalised experience, the centre maintains a ratio of two divers per guide during outings.

The centre offers a comprehensive range of PADI courses. You can start with the Open Water Diver course or progress through Advanced Open Water and Nitrox certifications.

For those pursuing a career in diving, the centre is an Instructor Development Centre (IDC), offering training up to the Instructor level.

The fleet consists of four specialised vessels to accommodate different needs. The Calypso is a monohull powered by twin FPT Marine engines, while the Diversity catamaran is equipped with twin Cummins 6BTA diesel engines.

For those seeking a different experience, the El Tigre is a displacement launch with twin Cummins 903M engines, and the Perfect Day is a displacement launch powered by twin MTU 444 500 KW engines. These boats can carry up to 30 passengers for diving excursions. On board, you will find comfortable seating, a dry storage area, a galley for hot drinks, toilets, and a freshwater shower.

The shore-based facilities include a private, exclusive training pool for practicing skills before heading to the open ocean. The centre also provides full rental kit, including BCDs, regulators with computers, 7mm wetsuits, 4mm vests, fins, masks, and two cylinders with weights per diver.

Nitrox is available on site for divers looking to extend their bottom times.

The marine life is defined by the currents of the East Auckland Current, which bring tropical species to the area. You will encounter a variety of reef fish including blue maomao, damselfish, kingfishes, and trevally.

Macro life and smaller species are abundant, with nudibranchs and moray eels frequently observed.

During the summer, you may encounter manta rays and whale sharks. In the winter, the area is a significant location for seeing whales, albatrosses, and New Zealand fur seals.

The area is subject to the subtropical currents of the East Auckland Current, which bring a wide diversity of species. The best visibility is typically found during the winter months, while the summer months offer the warmest water temperatures.