PADI Open Water Course

North Island

Paihia Dive

from

AU$603

per person

Group of scuba diving students giving OK signs on a boat in Northland, New Zealand

Experiences

Snorkelling & Diving

Multi-Day Short Tours

North Island

Start: Paihia

Locations: Paihia, Bay of Islands

Duration: 3 days

Travel Time: 56 hours

Minimum Age: 10

Details

Discover the Underwater World in New Zealand

Learning to dive is a life-changing experience, and the PADI Open Water Course gives you the perfect foundation. The course begins with theory, either in the classroom or online through eLearning, allowing flexibility for busy schedules. Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to move from the books to the water.

Confined water sessions take place in a heated pool, offering a safe and supportive environment for building confidence. You’ll practise key skills under the guidance of an instructor before taking your first steps into the ocean. From here, you’ll be ready for shore diving at Matauri Bay, a spectacular coastal spot.

Scuba divers exploring a vibrant reef teeming with fish near Paihia in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand.

Group of people smiling and posing on a dive boat in the Bay of Islands during a Discovery Scuba trip

Pigfish swimming among a school of blue maomao above a reef in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand.

Scuba diver observing a yellow seahorse in the Bay of Islands

New Zealand fur seal swimming through kelp during a Discovery Scuba dive in the Bay of Islands

Shark swimming through open blue water during a Discovery Scuba dive in the Bay of Islands

Dive students in wetsuits striking playful poses on the grass during open water training in New Zealand

Newly certified PADI Open Water divers holding certificates outside a dive centre in Northland, New Zealand

Scuba divers in training encounter an octopus on a colourful reef in Northland, New Zealand

Moray eel emerging from reef rocks during a scuba dive in Northland, New Zealand

From Pool Practice to Open Water Adventure

Your training continues with open water dives that bring the theory and skills together. At Matauri Bay, you’ll enjoy clear waters and stunning surroundings while developing your dive abilities. On the final day, Deep Water Cove’s marine reserve offers unforgettable encounters with vibrant marine life.

Once certified, you’ll be qualified to dive with a buddy to 18 metres, opening up a world of exploration. Families can get involved too, with the Junior Open Water Certification available for younger divers. This internationally recognised certification ensures you’re ready to dive safely at breathtaking locations worldwide.

AGE INFORMATION

Adult: 15 years +
Children: 10-14 years

Upon certification you will be qualified to dive with a buddy to 18 metres/60 feet.

A Junior Open Water Certification is available for children aged between 10 and 14 years.

For 10 and 11 year olds on certification you will be qualified to dive to 12 metres with a dive professional.
For 12 to 14 year olds you are required to dive with an adult to a maximum of 18m.

CANCELLATIONS, REFUNDS & AMENDMENTS

Cancellations after booking: No Refund
Changes to dates more than 7 Days before: No Amendment Fee
Changes within 7 days: 50% Amendment Fee; free if we are able to fill your space

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