Paihia | Must Do New Zealand

Paihia Dive, Bay of Islands

Dive The Rainbow Warrior & HMNZS Canterbury

At Paihia Dive, we offer exciting dives on two of the most famous shipwrecks in New Zealand – the Rainbow Warrior and The HMS Canterbury.

The Rainbow Warrior.

Once a Greenpeace flagship, now rests on the seafloor of Matauri Bay, where it was deliberately sunk as an artificial reef in 1987. This iconic shipwreck is now a popular diving spot, where you can explore the ship’s remains and observe the marine life that has made it their home.

The HMS Canterbury.

On the other hand, is a former navy frigate that was sunk as an artificial reef off the coast of the Bay of Islands in 2007. This impressive vessel now lies at a depth of 37 meters, offering experienced divers a challenging and rewarding dive.

Our experienced guides will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable dive on these historic shipwrecks. We provide all the necessary equipment and conduct thorough safety briefings before every dive.

Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner, diving on the Rainbow Warrior and The Canterbury is an unforgettable experience you won’t want to miss. Join us at Paihia Dive and discover the fascinating history and vibrant marine life of these iconic shipwrecks.

Learn to dive

With the best. Paihia’s Padi Open Water courses start every Monday and run for four days. we operate in small class groups so that you get that personal attention from our great instructors.

Experience the underwater wonders of this beautiful part of NZ.

Paihia Dive - Dive the Rainbow Warrior + Reef Dive

The Rainbow Warrior. A World-Renowned Wreck Dive in New Zealand

Price: From $249 per person Snorkeller $220 per prson
Departs: Trips start at 7:45am each day and return at 4:00pm.
Dive Equipment: Full equipment hire available, extra charges do apply.

A Greenpeace Legacy Becomes a Thriving Ecosystem

The Rainbow Warrior, once Greenpeace’s flagship vessel, met a tragic end in 1985 when it was sunk by French saboteurs in Auckland Harbour. However, its story takes a remarkable turn. Sunk as an artificial reef in the Cavalli Islands, the Rainbow Warrior has become a thriving underwater habitat teeming with marine life.

A Shallow Water Wreck Dive Suitable for Many Divers

This iconic wreck, resting at a maximum depth of 26 meters, offers an excellent opportunity for certified open water divers [PADI Open Water Course] to explore a shipwreck teeming with life.

A Visual Feast: Colorful Anemones and Abundant Fish Life

Descend into a world of color. The Rainbow Warrior is adorned with jewel-toned anemones in shades of purple, yellow, and blue, making it a photographer’s paradise.

Schools of vibrant fish, including Golden Snapper, Kingfish, and John Dory, weave through the wreckage, solidifying this wreck’s status as one of the world’s most unforgettable dives.

Dive Trip Itinerary: Exploring the Rainbow Warrior and Beyond

Morning: Gear Up and Head to Matauri Bay

Join the adventure at 7:45 am at the dive shop on Williams Road. After sorting out equipment and paperwork, the group will board a minibus and trailer for an 8:30 am departure. The journey north takes approximately 45 minutes, reaching Matauri Bay where the fun begins.

Launching from the Beach and Arriving at the Wreck

The excitement builds as the 7.5-meter inflatable boat launches directly from the beach in Matauri Bay. A short 8-minute ride delivers you to the legendary Rainbow Warrior wreck. After a thorough safety briefing and gear setup, prepare to descend into history.

Lunch, Snorkeling, and Exploring the Cavalli Islands

Following the wreck dive, the group heads to a stunning Cavalli Islands beach for a relaxing lunch break. Here, you can snorkel the crystal-clear waters or, for those new to scuba diving (Discover Scuba Diving program), complete their first introductory dive.

The afternoon offers another dive at one of the Cavalli Islands’ many exceptional reef sites, typically reaching depths of 18 meters or less. Swim-throughs, tunnels, and caves enhance the exploration for those seeking an adventurous dive.

Returning to Paihia: After an exhilarating day exploring the underwater world, the boat heads back to Matauri Bay, arriving around 2:30 pm.

The return trip to Paihia concludes by 4:00 pm, with a slight possibility of variation depending on the number of passengers and any specific departure needs.

Be sure to communicate any time constraints, particularly if you need to catch an afternoon bus.

Paihia Dive - Dive the HMNZS Canterbury Wreck + Reef Dive

HMNZS Canterbury wreck she lies in one of the most stunning and sheltered locations in the bay. Accessible almost everyday, a trip to Deep Water Cove will take you through the heart of the Bay of Islands

Price: From $249 per person – Snorkeller $220
Departs: Trips start at 7:45am each day and return at 4:00pm.
Dive Equipment: Full equipment hire available, extra charges do apply.

Explore a Majestic Wreck & Vibrant Reefs in the Bay of Islands

Embark on an unforgettable dive trip exploring the legendary HMNZS Canterbury shipwreck and the diverse marine life of the Bay of Islands.

Morning:

7:45 am: Gear up at the dive shop on Williams Rd., Paihia.
8:30 am: Depart for Deep Water Cove, cruising through islands and spotting wildlife (dolphins, penguins, seals) along the scenic 30-minute journey.
Dive Briefing & Equipment Check: Prepare for the wreck dive while cruising.

Dive Options:

Wreck Dive (HMS Canterbury):
- Certified Open Water Divers can participate with a PADI Deep Adventure Dive (additional cost).
- Descend up to 38 meters to explore the magnificent wreck teeming with marine life.
Reef Dive (Refresher Divers):
- Practice skills in a controlled environment after the wreck divers surface.
- Perfect for regaining confidence with an instructor in a small group.
Discover Scuba Diving (DSD):
- Experience the thrill of scuba diving for the first time!
- Learn basic skills and explore the underwater world at a shallow reef (max 12 meters).

Lunch & Afternoon Adventures:

Enjoy a relaxing lunch break on a beautiful Cavalli Islands beach.
Second Dive: Explore a vibrant reef site with caves, arches, and swim-throughs, reaching depths of 18 meters or less.
Additional Snorkeling & Second DSD Dive (Optional, extra charge): Extend your underwater exploration (time permitting).

Return to Paihia:

Cruise back through the islands, arriving at Paihia wharf around 3:30 pm (may vary slightly).

Important Note:

The HMS Canterbury wreck lies deeper than 18 meters. Open Water divers require a PADI Deep Adventure Dive for participation (contributes to Advanced Open Water certification).

Paihia Dive - Scenic Reef Dives (2 Dives)

Price: From $249 per person (2 reef Dives) – Snorkeller $220
Departs: Trips start at 7:45am each day and return at 4:00pm.
Dive Equipment: Full equipment hire available, extra charges do apply.

Dive the Bay of Islands: A Subtropical Paradise teeming with Marine Life

The Bay of Islands offers a unique diving experience that blends temperate and tropical environments, unlike anywhere else on Earth. This “subtropical” zone creates a haven for an incredible variety of marine life, guaranteed to amaze divers of all skill levels.

Encounter a Symphony of Aquatic Life:

Tropical Fish: Warm currents transport vibrant tropical fish down to these cooler waters, resulting in a thriving underwater ecosystem teeming with color and life.
Giant Stingrays: Witness the awe-inspiring Short-tail Stingray, the world’s largest, reaching a majestic 3 meters across and tipping the scales at over 300kg!
New Zealand’s Fascinating Creatures: Discover 5 distinct species of moray eels, including the local favorite, the Mosaic Moray. Encounter the Northern Scorpionfish, which grows to impressive sizes but lacks the venomous sting of its tropical cousins.

Dive into Pristine Waters:

Water Temperature: The Bay of Islands boasts comfortable water temperatures throughout the year, ranging from a refreshing 15°C in late winter/early spring to a balmy 22°C in late summer/autumn.
Wetsuit Requirements: Depending on the season, divers typically wear 1-2 piece 7mm wetsuits with hoods, boots, and gloves for warmth. In summer, experienced divers may find a 3mm wetsuit sufficient.

Exceptional Visibility for Unforgettable Exploration:

Unmatched Clarity: Divers can expect consistently good visibility ranging from 15 to 20 meters. During late summer, when easterly winds push open ocean water towards the coast, visibility can improve to an incredible 40 meters, offering breathtaking underwater vistas!

Explore a Dramatic Underwater Landscape:

Volcanic Wonders: The Bay of Islands boasts a unique volcanic terrain featuring thrilling wall dives, captivating caves and caverns, exciting swim-throughs, and dramatic crevasses.
Lush Kelp Forests: Unveil lush kelp forests clinging to the volcanic rock formations. While not as extensive as their Californian counterparts, these kelp forests offer a distinct and beautiful contrast to tropical coral reefs.

A Bonus Encounter with Marine Mammals:

Keep your eyes peeled during the boat ride to the dive sites! You might be lucky enough to spot playful dolphins, penguins, seals, and a diverse array of marine birdlife.

All Dive Trips Please Bring…

Please bring your swimsuit, towel, sun block, camera, and something warm to wear after diving. You are welcome to bring your own lunch, or we are happy to provide a packed lunch for $12.00. Just let us know if you would like the meat or vegetarian option.