Dive-site story
Situated in the outer reaches of the Hauraki Gulf, Little Barrier Island—known natively as Hauturu—features volcanic underwater topography shaped by massive tumbled basalt boulders, sheer walls, and sweeping kelp beds. Clear ocean currents circulating past the island support dense schools of temperate and subtropical marine species around its rocky headlands.
Extensive volcanic boulder fields with crevices and swim-throughs
Dense Ecklonia kelp forests harbouring diverse reef fish
Pelagic action with seasonal hunting kingfish packs and schooling blue maomao
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Warmer waters and clearer conditions prevail during late summer and autumn, coinciding with increased pelagic activity.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australasian SnapperChrysophrys auratus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Yellowtail KingfishSeriola lalandi | Seasonal | ||||||||||||
| Blue MaomaoScorpis violacea | Common | ||||||||||||
| Red MokiCheilodactylus spectabilis | Common | ||||||||||||
| Packhorse Rock LobsterSagmariasus verreauxi | Common | ||||||||||||
| Short-tail StingrayBathytoshia brevicaudata | Common |
Marine forecast
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