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North Island

Start: Paihia
Locations: Paihia, Bay of Islands
Duration: 1 day
Travel Time: 8 hours
Minimum Age: 10

The Rainbow Warrior Wreck & Reef Dive is a full-day trip from Paihia for certified scuba divers, combining a dive on one of New Zealand’s best-known shipwrecks with a second reef dive around the Cavalli Islands. The day includes an approximately 8-minute boat ride from Matauri Bay to the Rainbow Warrior, followed by a reef dive typically to 18 metres or less.

Dive the Rainbow Warrior & Cavalli Islands

Travel from Paihia to Matauri Bay, where you'll board the dive boat for the short trip to the wreck of the Rainbow Warrior. After exploring the wreck, head to one of the Cavalli Islands' beaches for lunch and time to snorkel before your second dive.

The afternoon reef dive explores the volcanic underwater landscapes of the Cavalli Islands, with dive sites featuring swim-throughs, tunnels and caves. After completing both dives, return to Matauri Bay before travelling back to Paihia, normally arriving at around 4:00 pm.

Tour Highlights

  • Dive the Rainbow Warrior wreck
  • Second reef dive around the Cavalli Islands
  • Full-day trip for certified scuba divers
  • Approximately 8-minute boat ride to the wreck from Matauri Bay
  • Explore volcanic reef formations
  • Opportunities for swim-throughs, tunnels and caves
  • Beach stop for lunch and snorkelling
  • Scenic Cavalli Islands location
  • Transport between Paihia and Matauri Bay
  • Swimsuit
  • Towel
  • Sunblock
  • Camera
  • Something warm to wear after diving
  • Bring your own lunch, or request a packed lunch (meat or vegetarian option available)
  • Adult: 15 years +
  • Children: 10-14 years

The Rainbow Warrior lies 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. This costs $50.
  • The Deep Adventure Dive contributes towards Advanced Adventurer certification
  • 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
  • Divers concerned about their current skills are advised to complete a refresher trip before wreck diving

I accept that this activity inherently involves risks and potential hazards. The risks and hazards include, but are not limited to breathing compressed gas, marine traffic, marine life, decompression sickness, drowning, barotrauma, air embolism, decompression illness, dehydration, gas narcosis, malfunctioning equipment, ear problems, sun damage, hyperthermia, hypothermia, sea sickness, and adverse weather events.

Dive/Snorkelling trips are run in the outdoors on the ocean, so may be exposed to sudden natural disasters such as, but not limited to Tsunami, Earthquakes, Slips Landslides or Rock Falls, or Volcanic Eruption. I am aware that participating in the Diving/Snorkelling offered by Paihia Dive can be hazardous if they are not conducted with care, control, and responsibility. I acknowledge that these risks could result in my injury (physical or mental) or even death.

Single bookings (1-3 people):

  • Cancellations more than 48 hours before travel: Full 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.

Frequently asked questions

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.

The Rainbow Warrior lies in water deeper than 18 metres. Open Water certified divers therefore need to complete the dive in conjunction with a Deep Adventure Dive.

Yes. You must be a certified scuba diver to dive the Rainbow Warrior. Additional requirements apply depending on your certification level and recent diving experience.

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