SwimwearTowelSunscreenCameraWarm clothing for after divingLunch

Risk Disclosure - PLEASE READ

I recognise that this activity comes with inherent risks and possible dangers. These include, but aren't limited to, breathing compressed air, boat traffic, sea creatures, decompression sickness, drowning, pressure-related injuries, air bubbles in the bloodstream, decompression illness, lack of fluids, gas intoxication, equipment malfunctions, ear issues, sunburn, overheating, hypothermia, seasickness, and bad weather.Diving or snorkelling outings take place in the great outdoors, so there's a chance of sudden natural disasters like tsunamis, earthquakes, landslides, or volcanic eruptions. I understand that taking part in diving or snorkelling activities with Paihia Dive could be risky if not handled with care, control, and responsibility. I accept that these risks could lead to physical or mental harm, or even death.

Cancellation & Refund

After booking: No RefundBetween 25 and 48 hours: Refund less NZ$100 per person**Within 48 hours: No refund.Group bookings (4+ people) or charters:Cancellations more than 72 hours before travel: Full Refund**Between 37 and 72 hours: 50% Refund**Within 36 hours: No refund.*Note: **Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount.Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Overview Itinerary FAQs

Canterbury Wreck & Reef Dive – Bay of Islands

North Island

Paihia Dive

from

US$158

per person

Diver hovering beside pink coral-covered railings of the Canterbury Wreck in the Bay of Islands

Experiences

Snorkelling & Diving

Day Tours

Nature & Wildlife

Family-friendly Tours

North Island

Start: Paihia

Locations: Paihia, Bay of Islands

Duration: 1 day

Travel Time: 7 hours

Minimum Age: 5

The Canterbury Wreck & Reef Dive is a full-day scuba trip from Paihia for certified divers, combining a dive on the former HMNZS Canterbury at Deep Water Cove with a second reef dive in the Bay of Islands. The approximately 7-hour trip includes a wreck dive followed by a reef dive typically to 18 metres or less, with caves, arches and swim-throughs to explore.

Dive the Canterbury Wreck & Bay of Islands Reefs

Depart Paihia at 8:30 am and cruise approximately 30 minutes through the Bay of Islands to Deep Water Cove, with the chance to spot dolphins, penguins, seals and marine birds along the way. The Canterbury wreck is normally the first dive of the day, followed by a break for lunch and snorkelling.

Your second dive explores one of the Bay of Islands’ reef sites, typically at depths of 18 metres or less. Expect varied underwater terrain with caves, arches and swim-throughs, along with the abundant marine life found within the Deep Water Cove marine reserve. The boat normally returns to Paihia at around 3:30 pm.

Diver approaching the coral-encrusted bow railings of the Canterbury Wreck in the Bay of Islands

Giant moray eel resting among reef rocks near the Canterbury Wreck in the Bay of Islands

Coral-encrusted machinery from the Canterbury Wreck with diver overhead in the Bay of Islands

School of Blue Maomao fish swimming in clear waters in the Bay of Islands

Divers swimming near the upper structure of the Canterbury Wreck surrounded by marine growth in the Bay of Islands

Tour Highlights

Dive the Canterbury wreck at Deep Water Cove
Second Bay of Islands reef dive
Full-day trip for certified scuba divers
Explore caves, arches and swim-throughs
Dive within the Deep Water Cove marine reserve
Time for lunch and snorkelling between dives
Scenic cruise through the Bay of Islands
Russell Wharf pick-up available by prior arrangement

Swimwear
Towel
Sunscreen
Camera
Warm clothing for after diving
Lunch

The Canterbury lies in water deeper than 18 metres, so you must be a certified scuba diver to dive the wreck.

Open Water divers must complete the wreck dive in conjunction with a Deep Adventure Dive
The Deep Adventure Dive can contribute towards Advanced Adventurer certification
An additional $50 fee applies for the Deep Adventure Dive
Open Water divers completing the Deep Adventure Dive must have dived within the last year
Advanced certified divers or higher must have dived within the last two years
A refresher trip is recommended if you're concerned about your current diving skills

Refresher Divers

Divers who haven't been underwater recently can complete a refresher on a shallow reef dive. In a small group with an instructor, you'll revisit equipment set-up, basic skills, weighting and buoyancy control to help you become comfortable in the water again before a second recreational dive.

I recognise that this activity comes with inherent risks and possible dangers. These include, but aren't limited to, breathing compressed air, boat traffic, sea creatures, decompression sickness, drowning, pressure-related injuries, air bubbles in the bloodstream, decompression illness, lack of fluids, gas intoxication, equipment malfunctions, ear issues, sunburn, overheating, hypothermia, seasickness, and bad weather.
Diving or snorkelling outings take place in the great outdoors, so there's a chance of sudden natural disasters like tsunamis, earthquakes, landslides, or volcanic eruptions. I understand that taking part in diving or snorkelling activities with Paihia Dive could be risky if not handled with care, control, and responsibility. I accept that these risks could lead to physical or mental harm, or even death.

After booking: No Refund
Between 25 and 48 hours: Refund less NZ$100 per person**
Within 48 hours: No refund.

Group bookings (4+ people) or charters:

Cancellations more than 72 hours before travel: Full Refund**
Between 37 and 72 hours: 50% Refund**
Within 36 hours: No refund.*

Note: **Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Itinerary

Frequently asked questions

The Canterbury wreck is at Deep Water Cove in the Bay of Islands, approximately 30 minutes by boat from Paihia.

Yes. The Canterbury lies in water deeper than 18 metres and you must be a certified scuba diver to dive the wreck. Additional requirements apply depending on your certification level.

Open Water divers completing the wreck as a Deep Adventure Dive must have dived within the last year. Advanced certified divers or higher must have dived within the last two years.