"Auckland to Cairns" 16th - 23rd June 2026 with Dive Zone Whitianga.
Imagine waking up on the Coral Sea, diving into crystal-clear waters at sunrise, and coming face-to-face with majestic minke whales. This isn’t a dream, it’s your next great adventure.
We’re inviting you on an extraordinary journey to one of the most exclusive underwater experiences in the world. Join us for an unforgettable 7-day trip that combines world-class diving, luxury liveaboard comfort, and rare wildlife encounters along Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Here’s what your adventure looks like:
Tuesday 16 June: Depart Auckland, Hello Tropics!
Your adventure kicks off with a morning flight from Auckland to Cairns. Upon arrival, unwind in comfort with 2 nights at the Pacific Hotel Cairns — centrally located and perfect for exploring this tropical gateway.
Thursday 18 June: All Aboard the Spoilsport
It’s time to set sail on the renowned Spoilsport Liveaboard, your floating home for the next 4 nights. This custom-designed dive vessel offers the ultimate blend of comfort and adventure.
What’s life like aboard?
Here’s a taste of a typical day at sea:
6:30 am – Wake up to a Coral Sea sunrise and enjoy a light breakfast
7:00 am – First dive briefing and splash in for your morning dive
9:00 am – Fuel up with a full cooked breakfast
10:30 am – More diving or snorkelling at your leisure
2:00 pm – Lunch on deck with panoramic reef views
3:30 pm – Afternoon dive – keep your eyes peeled for curious minkes
6:30 pm – Night dive briefing, followed by one last underwater thrill
8:00 pm – Gourmet dinner, stories shared, and stars above
The Spoilsport team tailors each day to the weather, ensuring the best visibility, sea conditions, and minke whale encounters possible.
🐋 Why This Trip is So Special
This is no ordinary dive tour, this expedition is timed to coincide with the annual migration of dwarf minke whales, the only known reliable aggregation of these gentle giants on the planet. You'll have multiple chances to swim and interact with these curious creatures, all while exploring the Ribbon Reefs, renowned for their vibrant coral gardens and exceptional marine biodiversity.
🏝️ Monday 22 June, Scenic low level Flight over the Reef
After your final breakfast on board, you’ll disembark on Lizard Island, an adventure in itself then board a low-level scenic flight over the reef, offering a once-in-a-lifetime aerial view of the marine world you’ve just explored. Back in Cairns, enjoy one final night at the Pacific Hotel.
✈️ Tuesday 23 June, Back to Auckland, Feeling renewed
Depart Cairns at 11:55 am with unforgettable memories, breathtaking photos, and the kind of stories most people only dream of telling.
Ready to Dive In?
This expedition sells out fast, and with good reason. Between the chance to swim with minke whales, experience the untouched beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, and enjoy the comfort of one of Australia’s best liveaboards, this is the ultimate dive adventure.
📩 Contact us now to reserve your spot, spaces are limited, and the flight won’t wait.
Linda@divethecoromandel.co.nz
