Dive-site story
Whakaari / White Island offers an oceanic volcanic landscape off the Bay of Plenty coast. Dramatic drop-offs, underwater boulder fields, and underwater geothermal vents release bubbles directly into the sea column. Pelagic predators cruise past the outer walls while dense schools of reef fish gather around rocky pinnacles.
Submerged geothermal vents releasing streams of gas bubbles through the seafloor
Schools of yellowtail kingfish hunting in midwater currents
Dramatic volcanic topography featuring arches, deep fissures, and steep drop-offs
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Warmer waters and calmer weather during the southern hemisphere summer and autumn bring peak pelagic activity.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yellowtail kingfishSeriola lalandi | Common | ||||||||||||
| Blue maomaoScorpis violacea | Common | ||||||||||||
| Short-tailed stingrayBathytoshia brevicaudata | Common | ||||||||||||
| Bronze whaler sharkCarcharhinus brachyurus | Seasonal | ||||||||||||
| Lord Howe coralfishAmphichaetodon howensis | Rare |
Marine forecast
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