Dive into Australia and Asia Pacific's most popular dive site and comprehensive underwater directory.

New Zealand

New Zealand’s awesome landscapes, lush forests, amazing wildlife and pleasant climate make it a haven for many outdoor activities, and a great place to unwind. New Zealand society is diverse, sophisticated, and multicultural, and the honesty, friendliness, and openness of Kiwis will impress you. And the great advantage of New Zealand is that all of its diverse physical, cultural, and artistic landscapes are so close to each other!

New Zealanders have a unique and dynamic culture, with European, Maori, Pacific and Asian influences. It’s a culture that celebrates the many different lifestyles we live, and the stories we have to tell.

Stunning landscapes, lush vegetation, and unique wildlife make New Zealand a paradise for nature lovers.

Images courtesy of Tourism New Zealand

In the Directory

• Accommodation [1]

Photos

Hero kayaking

Abel Tasman

Snowboard yourself out

Climate

The north of New Zealand is subtropical and the south temperate. The warmest months are December, January and February, and the coldest June, July and August. In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30 degrees C and in winter between 10-15 degrees C.

Underwater Recommendations

With a long, often indented coastline of almost 18,000km, New Zealand is a diver's paradise. Coastal waters teem with colourful, fascinating sea life and the usually clear waters make for excellent viewing, especially in the prime months from February to June.

Many of New Zealand's prime diving spots are just offshore, offering easy access. One of the best spots is the crystal-clear waters of the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, whose amazing range of fish, including many tropical species, was considered by the late Jacques Cousteau to be one of the world's top five diving locations.

Other popular areas are the sheltered Bay of Islands, four hours drive north of Auckland; and in the South Island, the dramatic fiords of Fiordland, and Stewart Island with its breathtaking kelp forests and huge paua (abalone). Two accessible wrecks on the New Zealand coast also provide special diving opportunities.

Getting There

New Zealand is a three and a half hour flight from Eastern Australia. From the West Coast of the United States, a direct flight to New Zealand is 12 hours. Other places on the Pacific Rim, like Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo, flights take around 10 hours.