Dive-site story
Located near Leigh on the Matakana Coast, Matheson Bay is one of the most accessible shore dives in the North Island. The sheltered bay features a mix of shallow sandy bottoms, rocky reefs, and dense kelp forests extending out toward the headlands. Diver training sessions frequently take place in the protected shallows, while the outer reef edges offer rocky gullies and overhangs where coastal temperate species shelter.
Extensive kelp canopy sheltering diverse coastal fish life
Sheltered bay providing an easy, step-in beach entry for training or night diving
Rocky gutters and crevices hiding crayfish and moray eels
Sandy channels where resting stingrays and eagle rays congregate
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Late summer and autumn bring warmer water, settled weather, and better visibility.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australasian snapperChrysophrys auratus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Short-tail stingrayBathytoshia brevicaudata | Common | ||||||||||||
| New Zealand eagle rayMyliobatis tenuicaudatus | Seasonal | ||||||||||||
| Red mokiCheilodactylus spectabilis | Common | ||||||||||||
| Spiny rock lobsterJasus edwardsii | Common | ||||||||||||
| Spotty wrasseNotolabrus celidotus | Common |
Marine forecast
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