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taranaki
The
rugged, exposed Taranaki coastline extends for 250 kms around the
semi-circular bulge in the west coast of the North Island.
From Mokau in the north to Waitotara in the south, a succession
of black iron sand beaches invites exploration by divers. Along
the coast one is constantly aware of the dominating presence of
Mt Taranaki (also called Mt Egmont), a symmetrical, giant snow
cone towering above the coastal land.
Surf Highway 45 around the mountain is known internationally as
one of the premier surfing and windsurfing areas in New Zealand.
The diving is great too with water temperatures ranging from
12°C to 20°C and a profusion of volcanic reefs, boulders and
lava flows. Many of the southern fish species are present and the
area hosts New Zealand’s northernmost seal colonies.
Dive shops in New Plymouth and Wanganui offer dive charter
services to all the best spots.
Sugar Loaf Islands
This marine park is 1.5 km offshore from Port Taranaki and offers
interesting topography to depths of 27m. Reef fish such as
butterfish, blue maomao, blue cod and red moki are plentiful and
kingfish and kahawai are frequently seen chasing schools of
baitfish. To the west of both Moturoa and Waikaranga Islands are
striking volcanic pinnacles just below the surface, which plunge
to 20-30m. Seals, dolphins and sharks can be seen here at times.
Oakura Beach
Volcanic reefs lie offshore with depths to 9m and a variety of
reef fish and crayfish (lobster). The wreck of the steel-hulled
steamer Gairloch is scattered over the seabed west of the Oakura
River.
Opunake Beach
Numerous volcanic reefs, large boulders and lava flows extend to
depths of 14m, inhabited by common reef fish, crayfish and paua
(abalone). Wreck diving in shallow water provides a view of the
scattered iron plates of the steamer Lord Worsley. The remains of
the iron barque Northern Monarch can be seen north of the Oaonui
Stream.
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