Snorkelling in seas around New Zealand

[BillnBev]

We will be cruising around New Zealand very soon and wonder if anyone has any information about how safe the seas are to snorkel there, to determine if it is worth taking the gear?

thanks for any info anyone can offer?

[CruiserBruce]

Have been to New Zealand several times, and have snorkeled in many places in the world, including the Great Barrier Reef. While we didn't snorkel or seek to snorkel in New Zealand, the only place that leaps to mind as even possible to snorkel would be the Bay of Islands, in the far north of New Zealand. If your cruise doesn't stop there, I definitely wouldn't be bringing the gear.

Edited November 28, 2013 by CruiserBruce

[KirkNC]

Isn't the water pretty cold there?

[luv2cruisenz]

Hi, I'm from Auckland, NZ and yes we're not known for snorkelling! But there is a marine sanctuary called Goat Island which is really good for snorkelling. That is near Warkworth just north of Auckland so it is a day trip by car and you walk into the water from the beach. It is very, very popular in the weekends in the summer, more so in January & February as it is school holidays.

 

Also further north, a beautful spot is the Poor Knights islands which you can get to from Tutakaka which has day trips by boat. Probably recomend a wetsuit there. There are loads of diving spots all around the country if you want that.

 

In the summer and through to about March the sea can get quite warm, not quite the Caribbean but I think it is warmer than northern California anyway. The main danger is if you are swimming in the surf as some beaches are rougher than others (mainly west coast like Piha), but this is normal anywhere. The surf life guards are only on main beaches and usually only till the end of the summer school holidays. Some beaches like Piha have them on duty longer, like every weekend from late October to Easter. Hope this helps and you enjoy your cruise!

[spazwok]

I wouldn't take your gear, as previous posters have said there aren't many opportunities to snorkel on a NZ cruise. There is plenty of other amazing things to do though :)