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otago
The southern ocean has many
surprises for the adventurous diver who is prepared to brave the
cooler temperatures.
Otago’s coastline is home to fascinating marine creatures -
sea lions, seals, penguins and migratory birds. Most dive
locations have the full range of southern fish species.
Spectacular Otago Peninsula is renowned for its sub-Antarctic
wildlife. This eco-tourist’s paradise is the only place in
the world where you can travel by road to a Royal Albatross
colony. From a viewing hide you can see these majestic birds with
their three metre wingspans and snow white plumage.
The rich marine environment along this coast includes swarms of
red krill welling up from deep offshore canyons and offers the
chance to see southern right whales and orcas on the surface.
Dive shops in Dunedin offer a full range of diving courses as
well as dive trips to Milford, Stewart Island and to the best
possies along the Otago coast.
Otago Peninsula
The cold Southland Current sweeps in to the peninsula carrying
nutrients essential to the wide assortment of encrusting
invertebrate life including sponges, ascidians and nudibranchs.
The Mole at the harbour entrance is a voluntary marine reserve.
Its weed beds, sunken ships and plentiful fish life make it a
popular dive site. The Beacons, Weller’s Rock and Harrington
Point are other top spots around the harbour. Visibility is
variable between 3-9m inside the harbour in calm conditions and
road access is good to most locations.
Cape Saunders
Sheer cliffs drop to the seabed 23m down at this exposed dive
site. Weird caves, holes and overhangs in the cliff face are
encrusted with colourful fauna, which cries out to be
photographed. A New Zealand fur seal colony makes this an
interesting location.
Moeraki
The home of the famous Moeraki spherical boulders offers good
diving under the Lighthouse. Large kelp beds extend from 5-30m
with abundant fish life and good numbers of crayfish (lobster).
Shag Point, further south has reef drop-offs to 30m and a wide
variety of sea life.
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