Dive the Bay of Islands
New Zealand's Top 20 Adventures
It's a whole new world down there...sure, there's plenty to see on land, but scuba diving the Bay of Islands is a fantastic way to explore New Zealand's sub-tropical scene. The underwater volcanic landscape is home to a vast lineup of marine life, caves, and wrecked ships (said to include the Rainbow Warrior, the Greenpeace ship blown up by the French in the 1980s). The best base camps for adventuring in the bay are Kerikeri, Pahia, and Russell, all of which embody small-town New Zealand in the nicest ways. Proficient divers can explore the nearby Poor Knights Islands, a marine reserve said to be the nation's premier diving spot. Warm water, exotic fish, and diverse dive locations make the bay a prime place to learn, or expand your experience.
