Northland Dive

Northland Dive is situated in Whangaruru, New Zealand, serving as a gateway to some of the most significant underwater sites in the region. Founded by Shane and Julia, the centre is built on over 20 years of local experience and a deep connection to the waters of the Bay of Islands.

The operation is unique for its involvement in local maritime history, having orchestrated the scuttling of the HMNZS Canterbury in 2007 to create a permanent wreck site. This commitment to creating new diving opportunities is a hallmark of the centre's identity.

The centre is an SSI affiliated dive centre, offering a range of professional training and guided excursions. The team focuses on providing a seamless experience for both local divers and those travelling from further afield to explore the Northland coast.

With a focus on group bookings and specialised diving, the staff manage everything from day trips to multi-day liveaboard expeditions. The operation is designed to be self-contained, with an on-site lodge that allows divers to transition easily from their accommodation to the dive boats.

As an SSI centre, Northland Dive offers a comprehensive curriculum ranging from foundational courses to advanced technical training. Their catalogue includes the SSI Advanced Adventurer, SSI Advanced Open Water Diver, and the SSI Master Diver programme.

For those looking to specialise, they offer the SSI Deep Adventure Cert. and various SSI Specialty Diver courses. They also provide training through the SSI XR Programs, catering to divers looking to progress into more technical diving disciplines.

The fleet includes two 8.6m semi-rigid boats, 007 and Spectre, which are used for day excursions. 007 is powered by a Yamaha 350hp 4-stroke V8, while Spectre utilises a Yamaha 300hp 4-stroke V8. These vessels can carry up to 17 passengers on 007 and 10 divers on Spectre.

For longer expeditions, the Sun Spy is a 14.8m catamaran equipped with twin Cats 425hp engines. This vessel is specifically designed for liveaboard trips to the Poor Knights Islands, offering more space and stability for multi-day cruises.

The centre provides full equipment hire, including regulators, BCDs, wetsuits, fins, masks, snorkels, computers, boots, gloves, and torches. Divers can also request specific cylinder sizes, with 12L and 15L options available in both air and Nitrox.

Nitrox is available on-site for those looking to extend their bottom time. The centre also offers various cylinder fill options for divers bringing their own kit, including Nitrox 32% and Nitrox 40%.

The Bay of Islands and Poor Knights Islands offer diverse habitats, from canyon walls and swim-throughs to sponge gardens and kelp forests. Between January and April, you can expect to see large pelagic fish, while the period from September to December is known for large schools of fish.

From May to August, the area is particularly noted for jewel anemones in bloom, alongside clear, cool water. The marine life is varied, with many divers encountering large schools of fish and various pelagic species throughout the year.

Macro life and smaller inhabitants inhabit the reef flats and crevices, providing interest for observant divers looking for smaller details within the larger ecosystem.

Diving in the region is subject to seasonal changes in visibility and water movement. Visibility typically ranges from 8 metres between September and December to 20 metres from January through to August.

Weather and swell conditions play a significant role in trip planning, particularly for departures to the Poor Knights Islands. Trips to these islands are weather-dependent and are selected by the skipper to ensure safe and productive diving.