Location, Location, Location
No matter how you get to the Coromandel Peninsula's East Coast, by the time you arrive you would have already witnessed some of the area's stunning coastline and Islands. Beautiful white sand beaches alongside rugged volcanic cliffs, an array of offshore islands scattered amongst the vista, all clad in picturesque native bush which during the summer is laced with the unmistakable bright red flowers of the Pohutukawa tree. All roads leading to the temperate South Pacific Ocean - where adventure awaits.
Our dive playground
Throughout the year there is great diving to be done, with the benefit of a sheltered harbour entrance and so many different dive sites offering protection from different weather directions, it is possible to find good diving on even the most uninviting of days.
Mercury bay is the ideal gateway to all that the Eastern Coromandel has to offer. Within an hour of scenic boat travel from the town of Whitianga, there are miles of diveable coastline to explore, over 30 islands, including the Mercury and Aldermen Island groups, Te Whanganui-a-Hei (Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve, as well as countless rocks, pinnacles, and bays.
Dive sites here aren’t just places to explore - they’re underwater playgrounds bursting with life. Whether you’re a brand‑new diver or building your skills, you’ll start in sheltered bays and gentle sandy shallows that lead into rocky reefs wrapped in lush kelp forests. These beginner‑friendly areas are alive with colour and character: curious Leatherjackets dart in for a closer look, Sandagers Wrasse flash their bold blues and greens, and pairs of Red Moki glide calmly through the reef like they own the place.
Look a little closer and the reef reveals its personalities. Black Angelfish fiercely guard their favourite rock, chasing off anything that comes too close. Porcupinefish peer out from under ledges, Rock Lobster - both Red and Packhorse - hide in the shadows, and Butterfish families graze the sunlit knolls. Schools of Jack Mackerel swirl overhead, while Yellow Moray eels poke their heads from cracks with an expression that feels almost comedic. Spot a tidy ring of shells and you’ve found an octopus home - wait a moment and you might see curious eyes peeking back at you.
And then there are the show‑stoppers. Eagle rays glide past with effortless grace, often settling into sandy hollows for a rest. Shorttail stingrays sweep around the reef like floating magic carpets, and on rare, unforgettable days, the massive Longtail stingray - reaching up to four metres - may appear, sometimes in impressive groups.
If your dive takes you into the Te Whanganui‑a‑Hei Marine Reserve, prepare for even more wow‑factor. Huge schools of oversized Snapper cruise confidently through the reserve, and Crayfish so relaxed they’ll wander right out of their hidey‑holes to check you out. It’s one of those places where every dive feels like a privilege - and every moment reminds you why this coastline is one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary underwater experiences
Copyright Dive Zone Whitianga
