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bay of plenty
A mild climate combines with a
wonderfully natural environment to make the Bay of Plenty a
favourite summer holiday spot.
The warm Pacific Ocean laps a continuous stretch of long, sandy
beaches from Tauranga to Whakatane, and intimate rocky coves
extend from there to East Cape. Marine life is abundant and there
is accessible diving and snorkelling for everyone in water
temperatures that range from 22°C in summer to 12°C in winter.
Friendly encounters with marine mammals in their natural habitat
are always a possibility. Bow-riding dolphins greet you on your
way out and whales, seals and penguins can pop up anywhere. Water
clarity sometimes exceeds 40m around the islands and good
underwater photography is assured. Dive facilities cater for the
full range of experience from novice to advanced divers. Dive
shops in Tauranga, Mt Maunganui and Whakatane can arrange charter
boat trips to suit your needs.
Mayor Island
Lying 40km north east of Tauranga this dive mecca and marine
reserve is warmed by the East Auckland Current, which draws in
many subtropical fish species like Lord Howe coral fish, crimson
cleanerfish and boarfish. The sea floor has fascinating caves,
drop-offs, pinnacles, hot water vents and black obsidian beds
(volcanic glass). Dense forests of paddleweed kelp extend to 30
metres, and the reefs are festooned with lace coral, cup coral,
colourful anemones, sponges and hydroids. Top spots are Tuhua
Reef, Cathedral Bay, Western Bay and the Bait Pond.
Karewa Island
This wildlife sanctuary 12km from Mt Maunganui offers good diving
and snorkelling with visibility to 9m. The Taranaki shipwreck
lies on the northern side of the island.
Motiti Island
This island is 23km offshore and offers good diving in sheltered
bays with reefs from 5-18m deep. In common with other Bay of
Plenty islands the crayfish (lobster), paua (abalone) and
scallops can readily be found. The WWII tug Taioma sits upright
on the sand at 28m on the south east side of the island.
Astrolabe Reef
This reef structure just breaks the surface at low tide, roughly
halfway between Motiti and Mayor Islands. It is renowned for
pristine water (great photography), spectacular drop-offs to 37m
and shallow plateaus alive with fish and the occasional seal.
This is a stellar scenic experience with visibility from 6-30m.
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