Dive-site story
The former Royal New Zealand Navy Leander-class frigate HMNZS Wellington, carrying the pennant number F69, was scuttled in late 2005 to form an artificial reef off Wellington's south coast. Major southerly storms subsequently broke the superstructure into distinct collapsed sections resting on a sand and gravel seabed. Encrusting sponges, sea squirts, and dense macroalgal growth have colonized the steel hull plates, creating shelter for abundant coastal fish species in cold temperate waters.
Extensive steel hull sections and engine room framework colonized by temperate marine growth
Schools of native marine life congregating inside the Taputeranga Marine Reserve boundary
Atmospheric wreck photography opportunities when southern swell drops
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Late summer and autumn typically bring the warmest water temperatures and more settled weather patterns.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue codParapercis colias | Common | ||||||||||||
| TarakihiNemadactylus macropterus | Common | ||||||||||||
| ButterfishOdax pullus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Seven-gill sharkNotorynchus cepedianus | Rare | ||||||||||||
| Common octopusPinnoctopus cordiformis | Common |
Marine forecast
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