What to do and see in New Zealand, New Zealand: The Best Scuba & Snorkeling

April 10, 2022 Marissa Gamble

New Zealand (/njuːˈziːlənd/ ( listen); Māori: Aotearoa [aɔˈtɛaɾɔa]) is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The country geographically comprises two main landmasses—the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui), and the South Island (Te Waipounamu)—and around 600 smaller islands. New Zealand is situated some 1,500 kilometres (900 mi) east of Australia across the Tasman Sea and roughly 1,000 kilometres (600 mi) south of the Pacific island areas of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga. Because of its remoteness, it was one of the last lands to be settled by humans. During its long period of isolation, New Zealand developed a distinct biodiversity of animal, fungal and plant life. The country's varied topography and its sharp mountain peaks, such as the Southern Alps, owe much to the tectonic uplift of land and volcanic eruptions. New Zealand's capital city is Wellington, while its most populous city is Auckland.
Restaurants in New Zealand

1. Dolphin Encounter

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5.0 based on 1,427 reviews

Dolphin Encounter

One of the best places in the world to encounter dolphins in the wild! We operate on the dolphins' terms. Swim with the dolphins in their natural environment or watch their acrobatic displays form the comfort of the boat.

2. Seal Swim Kaikoura

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94%
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5.0 based on 535 reviews

Seal Swim Kaikoura

Swimming with New Zealand fur seals in the shallow bays of the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula really is an experience that you don't want to miss. Tours take 2.5 hours and depart several times daily during summer. No experience is necessary and all equipment is supplied. Many travelers site their seal swimming experience as a highlight of there New Zealand holiday. For more information contact us...

3. Diveworks Dolphin and Seal Encounters

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5.0 based on 31 reviews

Diveworks Dolphin and Seal Encounters

Watch or swim with dolphins and friendly seals in the warm Bay of Plenty waters, near White Island in Whakatane, in New Zealand. Diveworks Charters has been in operation since 1997 and is a genuine family affair. Phil designed and purpose-built the 10m Diveworks boat so it easily handles the sea and is great for divers and snorkelers! During summer, Diveworks Dolphin and Seal Encounters provides the opportunity to swim, view and enjoy dolphins that have come into the Bay of Plenty to feed and breed. Sightings of baby dolphin are incredible and swimming with the friendly Kekeno seals as they swim at Whale Island (Moutohora). - approx 4 hour tour - usually morning tours. Diveworks Charters other boat tours include: Whale Island Guided Walks, Fishing Trips and Diving at White Island. “Over 35,000 people have been on Diveworks - our tour parties are small and with every trip you will feel like one of the family.”

4. Phantom Sailing

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5.0 based on 558 reviews

Phantom Sailing

A day out on Phantom gives you a chance to get away from the crowds. This is adventure, relaxation and scenic beauty all in one with the personal atmosphere created by your hosts, Rick and Robin. Swim, snorkel and hike the island then enjoy a great home cooked lunch amongst the beauty of the islands on this great owner- operator boat.

5. She's a Lady Sailing Adventures

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5.0 based on 174 reviews

She's a Lady Sailing Adventures

Join us for a Sailing Adventure in the beautiful Bay of Islands, with a small personalised group. Our main goal is for everyone to experience a day they'll never forget. You don't have to be a sailor to join us but you're more than welcome to take the wheel and help out. We can instruct and show you the ropes or you can just sit back, relax and let us do the work. The trip includes an island stop, a healthy fresh lunch and activities.

6. Go Dive Marlborough

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5.0 based on 38 reviews

Go Dive Marlborough

Diving the world famous Mikhail Lermontov wreck since 1986, we have very experienced guides who know the wreck inside and out. We also offer an Inner Sounds Tour out of Picton. We offer SSI, PADI & TDI/SDI SCUBA Training, technical, retail and logistical support to divers from all over the world.

7. Dive Wellington

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5.0 based on 46 reviews

Dive Wellington

An amazing location, across from Taputeranga Marine Reserve and five minutes from the wreck of the F69 Frigate Wellington. Placing us in the middle of Wellington’s best diving. All within a ten minute drive from Wellington City, we offer a hotel pick up and drop off service when diving with us.Proud to be a PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Centre, we offer daily guided dives and boat charters to make your dive experience enjoyable.

8. Dive HQ Christchurch

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5.0 based on 15 reviews

Dive HQ Christchurch

Dive HQ Christchurch have been training divers for over 30 years, not only have they introduced thousands of recreational divers to the fabulous underwater world, but, they are one of New Zealand's leading Career based PADI Training facility's, placing hundred's of Scuba Instructors throughout the International Diving Industry.

9. Paihia Dive

Excellent
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5.0 based on 469 reviews

Paihia Dive

Paihia Dive is the best little dive shop in the Bay of Islands and it’s our pleasure to show you all the underwater wonders of this beautiful part of NZ. We offer trips to the spectacular Rainbow Warrior aboard our fully equipped dive RIB 'Aka Maru', which takes only 7 minutes from the shore to reach the dive site. Dive The HMNZS Canterbury, New Zealand’s last Frigate to be purpose sunk for diving. Sunk 11 years ago, she is covered in jewel anemones and sponges. This wreck is massive and well worth diving! Dive the Bay of Islands with the longest running dive charter operation. Paihia Dive has been taking divers under since 1978, and Craig has been diving in the Bay for 25 years. For a true local experience join Paihia Dive for a day diving. Learn to dive with the best! Paihia Dive is a PADI 5 Star Dive Centre. All our dive courses are taught by experienced instructors, and the classes are nice and small. Start your Open Water Course today!

10. Yukon Dive

Excellent
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5.0 based on 192 reviews

Yukon Dive

Yukon Dive is proudly 100% Kiwi owned and operated by husband and wife team Noel and Jo. We are experienced qualified dive Instructors who are extremely passionate about our environment and it's future and we pride ourselves in offering a professional, friendly and personal service. Our mission is to share our passion for the underwater world of the Poor Knights, with a focus on friendship, a spirit of adventure and a commitment to safety, the environment and our community. Enjoy the ultimate Poor Knights experience with a small group. Teeming with life, the unique marine environment of of the Poor Knights Marine Reserve provides exceptional scenery above and below the water. Whether you are an experienced diver or just beginning, snorkeling or sightseeing, we will both do our best to make sure that your experience at the Poor Knights is one to remember and tell all your friends about!

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