Dive Now

Located in Whangarei, DIVE NOW is positioned perfectly to access the best of the Northland coastline. You are just a 30-minute drive from Tutukaka, the primary gateway to the Poor Knights Islands marine reserve, one of the most celebrated diving destinations globally.

Since taking over Whangarei’s oldest dedicated dive store in 2018, the centre has evolved into a complete hub for the local diving community. Whether you are looking for shore dives in the harbour or offshore trips to deep wrecks, the shop provides the logistical support and technical expertise required for the region's varied conditions.

The centre is owned and operated by Jamie-Lee and Simon, bringing a mix of local Whangarei knowledge and international experience to the team. They focus on a professional, flexible approach to instruction, ensuring that training moves at a pace that suits your individual progress.

As an SSI affiliated centre, they offer a full spectrum of training, from initial entry-level courses to professional instructor development. The staff are deeply knowledgeable about the local marine environment and the specific safety requirements of the Northland coast.

The course catalogue is extensive, covering the entire SSI range. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or the Open Water Diver course, while those looking to progress can undertake Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, and Deep Diver certifications.

For technical divers, the centre offers specialised training including SSI XR Extended Range, CCR diving, and Intro to Tech. They also provide niche skills such as the SSI Drysuit Course, SSI Wreck Diver Course, and SSI Scooter or DPV Course. Professional divers can pursue Divemaster, Assistant Instructor, and Instructor programmes, including diver internships.

The Arrow is the centre's dedicated charter vessel, used for trips to the Poor Knights Islands and various local wreck sites. It is configured to handle day trips and evening dives, such as those to the HMNZS Waikato.

On board, you will find amenities including hot drinks and a hot shower to help you warm up after a dive. The vessel is equipped to support various diving styles, including night diving and trips to offshore sites.

The facility is a complete retail and servicing hub, with all regulator, BCD, and cylinder servicing completed on-site. They stock a wide range of premium brands including Apeks, Aqualung, Scubapro, Mares, and Shearwater, as well as specialist gear from OMS, Santi, and Fourth Element.

For training, the centre features an on-site heated pool with full changing facilities, making it an ideal environment for skill practice or equipment trials. They provide full rental kit for scuba, snorkeling, and freediving, including fins, masks, and snorkels. Nitrox and air fills are available on-site to support your diving plans.

The Poor Knights Islands and surrounding reefs are teeming with life, including large shoals of Blue Mao Mao, Two Spotted Demoisells, and various species of snapper and kingfish. You will often encounter rays and sharks while exploring the deeper sections of the reef.

In the shallower harbour and bay areas, such as Reotahi Bay, you can find a diverse range of smaller creatures. Look for hermit crabs, bubble snails, seacombs, sea hares, and various species of shrimp, squid, and octopus. Snake eels and scorpionfish are also frequently spotted among the rocks.

Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to observe, including nudibranchs, mantis shrimp, stargazers, and frogfish. During the summer, you may also see sea turtles, and in the winter, small colonies of seals can be spotted near the reefs.

Diving in the region requires an understanding of tidal movements and currents. Sites like One Tree Point, McLeods Bay, and the Ngunguru River can experience strong currents, and some areas like The Gut in Taiharuru are heavily affected by swells.

Many of the harbour sites, such as One Tree Point and Taurikura, are best dived around high slack water to manage the tidal flow. When diving in areas with boat traffic, such as the harbour or near the Ngunguru River entrance, using a dive flag and a surface float is essential for safety.