Just across the Tasman lies the land of the long white cloud, the beautiful New Zealand. Directly east of Sydney, at the tip of the North Island, you can find the Poor Knights Islands. The underwater world here is filled with a stunning array of wildlife that is different from the rest of New Zealand, with convergence of warm water currents from the Coral Sea that wash over the rocky temperate environment. Here you can dive in kelp forests and see soft corals, gorgonian fans, and both temperate and subtropical animals. In summer you can dive in archways with vast numbers of mating stingrays, or look for orca in the open ocean. Dive the twin wrecks of the HMNZS Tui, a hydrographic research vessel that was at Bikini Atoll during the bombing, and the HMNZS Waikato, a purpose-sunk frigate.
Further south at Picton, in Marlborough Sound, New Zealand’s cooler waters are home to the Mikhail Lermontov. This shipwreck was a passenger cruise ship that sank in mysterious circumstances in 1986 while carrying 400 passengers. She is fully intact and lies in 12-36m of water, making it a great dive site for all levels.
Diving Destinations in New Zealand
Liveaboards in New Zealand
General Information
- Entry Requirements
- Money
- Language
- Electricity
- Time Zone
- Clothing
- Climate
- Water Temperature
- Departure Tax
- Tipping
Australian passport holders require a valid passport to enter New Zealand. No Visa is required for Australian passport holders. For more information and for holders of other passports, please refer to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website for the latest travel advice.
The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) is the official currency. One Australian Dollar is worth approximately 1 NZD. ATMs are widely available and major credit cards are widely accepted.
English is the most widely spoken official language of New Zealand. Maori is also an official language of New Zealand and is spoken by a small portion of the population.
220-240V and uses the Australian plug type.
GMT + 12 (2 hours ahead of Sydney).
Attire in New Zealand is equivalent to Australia. Weather is slightly cooler than Australia. Dress appropriately for cooler weather.
Moderate climate. Temperature varies in different areas of New Zealand. Check weather for time of year and region you are visiting.
Varies from warm subtropical temperature in the far north to cooler temperatures in the south.
None at 1 July 2012.
Tipping culture in New Zealand is similar to Australia. Tipping is not expected but always appreciated for exceptional service.
