UNDERWATER AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND SERIES
If you are a kiwi like me you will know that New Zealand is quite commonly forgotten on World maps (yes that’s right, completed taken off the map!). Even as New Zealander’s we often forget about our aquatic life when we are thinking about our environment.
When I think of New Zealand I think of sailing along the coast, swimming through schools of Blue Maomao (Common NZ fish species), and scanning the surface for bubbling schools of fish or any hint of a whale spout. My version of Aotearoa has been influenced by my upbringing and don’t get me wrong, I do love everything on the top side too but I also think not enough people realise what we have below.
So it got me thinking about how I could share with you how I see our beautiful country. I came up with the idea of doing a series that showcases very special places to me that if I were to be your personal dive guide, this is how I would show you my Underwater Aotearoa, New Zealand Series. I want to focus along the East Coast of New Zealand as this is where I have spent most of my life. This is not by any means the only dives in New Zealand but I hope that you could use this information as a starting point to discover and explore on your own, seeing Aotearoa New Zealand as an underwater destination too.
When I think of New Zealand I think of sailing along the coast, swimming through schools of Blue Maomao (Common NZ fish species), and scanning the surface for bubbling schools of fish or any hint of a whale spout. My version of Aotearoa has been influenced by my upbringing and don’t get me wrong, I do love everything on the top side too but I also think not enough people realise what we have below.
So it got me thinking about how I could share with you how I see our beautiful country. I came up with the idea of doing a series that showcases very special places to me that if I were to be your personal dive guide, this is how I would show you my Underwater Aotearoa, New Zealand Series. I want to focus along the East Coast of New Zealand as this is where I have spent most of my life. This is not by any means the only dives in New Zealand but I hope that you could use this information as a starting point to discover and explore on your own, seeing Aotearoa New Zealand as an underwater destination too.
Mokohinau Islands
To start this series I decided to take you to one of my favourite places that is a little less known but very special to me. These islands are situated northeast of Auckland and lie on the outer edge of Tikapa Moana/Hauraki Gulf. I often see them like a mini Poor Knights as the cliffs aren’t as intimidating yet underwater, they are equally impressive.
The islands are separated into three main groups; The main set of islands that include Burgess, Hokoromea and Atihau Islands, laying to the south are Fannal Island and Simpson Rock, with Grouper Rock, which lies to the west from the main set of islands. These islands are very exposed with limited areas for boats to shelter, meaning they are rarely visited by divers. I think that’s part of why I love diving out there so much, because you can’t always get there and when you do, it’s because the conditions are perfect!
The islands are separated into three main groups; The main set of islands that include Burgess, Hokoromea and Atihau Islands, laying to the south are Fannal Island and Simpson Rock, with Grouper Rock, which lies to the west from the main set of islands. These islands are very exposed with limited areas for boats to shelter, meaning they are rarely visited by divers. I think that’s part of why I love diving out there so much, because you can’t always get there and when you do, it’s because the conditions are perfect!
Poor Knights Islands
This world-class diving site is a subtropical paradise that's a sanctuary to many marine creatures and can be admired from above and below the surface - truly, it's an experience not to miss! The islands are rich in history, having been admired by everyone. This oceanscape offers a masterclass in what a flourishing marine ecosystem can look like.