Wellington, New Zealand's dynamic capital city, is not just celebrated for its art, culture, and wind. Nestled by the harbor, Wellington offers some impressive diving spots. With a plethora of marine reserves, shipwrecks, and diverse marine life, this city provides a varied diving experience for both novice and veteran divers.
Best Scuba Diving Spots for Experienced Divers
The F69 Shipwreck: Located in Island Bay, this decommissioned navy frigate was sunk intentionally to create an artificial reef. Now, it's an underwater playground for experienced divers. The wreck, teeming with marine life, provides an interesting exploration site as divers can swim through its different compartments.
Taputeranga Marine Reserve: This marine reserve, located along Wellington's south coast, boasts a topographical diversity from kelp forests to deep channels. The currents can be strong, so this site is more suitable for advanced divers.
Best Scuba Diving Spots for Beginners
Island Bay: Apart from the F69 wreck, Island Bay offers several other diving spots ideal for beginners. With shallow waters and diverse marine life, it's a fantastic place to get acquainted with diving.
Scorching Bay: This bay offers calm waters, making it perfect for beginners. The sandy bottom and gentle slopes provide a comfortable environment for novice divers to practice their skills.
Marine Life
Wellington's waters are a haven for diverse marine life. From playful seals to vibrant nudibranchs, the marine biodiversity is rich. Divers can spot octopuses, crayfish, and even the occasional stingray. The kelp forests are especially lively, with schools of fish weaving in and out.
Dive Conditions
Wellington's waters can be unpredictable. The average water temperature varies from 14°C (57°F) in winter to 18°C (64°F) in summer. Visibility ranges from 5-15 meters, though it can sometimes exceed that in specific spots. Given the cool conditions, a thick wetsuit or even a drysuit might be necessary.
Cost
Dive trips in Wellington, including equipment rental, can range from NZD 150-300, depending on the duration and the dive operator. If you're looking to get certified or take advanced diving courses, the prices can range from NZD 500-1000, depending on the dive school and the specifics of the course.
In summary, Wellington provides a diverse diving experience, marrying historical shipwrecks with vibrant marine life. Whether you're a seasoned diver or just starting out, the city's underwater world promises memorable adventures.
