Dive Zone Whitianga Schools Programs
The Dive Zone team is passionate about sharing unforgettable underwater experiences with both new and seasoned divers. We’re committed to creating a fun, supportive, and safe environment where every student can succeed. Each year, we work with school groups from across New Zealand to introduce high school students to the world of diving and guide them from non‑divers through the PADI certification levels.
Students have the opportunity to earn NZQA credits while becoming certified PADI divers. With extensive hire equipment, excellent boat capacity, and a strong team of highly experienced PADI Instructors, we’re well equipped to handle large groups. Just let us know what you need and we’ll make it happen.
We’re lucky to have some of New Zealand’s best dive sites right on our doorstep, and we make full use of them during training. The eastern side of the Coromandel Peninsula is dotted with sheltered coves, offshore islands, and the stunning Te Whanganui‑a‑Hei Marine Reserve - an ideal playground for developing confident divers.
With direct ocean access from our marina berths, we can head out even when conditions aren’t perfect. From Great Mercury Island to the Aldermen Islands, and everywhere in between, there’s always a protected spot teeming with life where we can tuck in and complete our dives. This gives us the consistency and flexibility to keep training in almost any weather.
Prior to purchasing your dive training course, please click on this link, to read and understand the Risk Disclosure Statement. Booking onto this course confirms you have read and agree to this document (Risk Disclosure Statement for Scuba/Snorkeling/Freediving).
NZQA Credits Available
We deliver both recreational and tertiary dive training, utilizing the PADI teaching system. We are able to offer, deliver, and award students with NZQA Unit Standards through our association as an audited and approved sub-contractor of Academy of Diving Trust which is registered as a Private Training Establishment by NZQA pursuant to the Education Amendment Act 2011.
28391 - Snorkel dive in open water - Level 2 - 2 Credits
28392 - SCUBA Dive in open water to a maximum depth of 18 metres - Level 3 - 7 Credits
28393 - Navigate Underwater while SCUBA diving in open water - Level 3 - 4 Credits
28394 - Complete computer aided SCUBA dives in open water - Level 3 - 3 Credits
28395 - Complete diver rescues - Level 4 - 7 Credits
28396 - Complete SCUBA dives at night in open water - Level 3 - 4 Credits
28401 - Complete underwater search & recovery SCUBA dives in open water - Level 3 - 4 Credits
28404 - Complete SCUBA dives in open water to depths between 18 & 40 metres - Level 4 - 5 Credits
28405 - Complete SCUBA dives in open water to locate & observe common aquatic organisms - Level 4 - 5 Credits
28407 - Complete SCUBA dives off a boat in open water - Level 3 - 4 Credits
28408 - Complete SCUBA dives off the shore in open water - Level 3 - 4 Credits
28434 - Demonstrate knowledge of diving first aid & oxygen administration & use of supplemental oxygen - Level 3 - 2 Credits
32343 - Free dive in open water to depths between 10 and 16 metres - Level 3 - 7 Credits
32344 - Complete advanced free dives in open water to depths between 16 and 24 metres - Level 3 - 4 Credits
NZQA Unit Standards and credit values are subject to change, NZQA Unit Standards available are subject to discussion with Darrell regarding candidate suitability, and ability to meet any PADI pre-requisites.
