New Zealand recommendations?

[AndyD]

I'm new to diving, never been, but am hoping to get off to New Zealand for 3 weeks very soon and want to learn to dive while I'm out there. I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations about where is good to learn and which companies provide good training out there.

Also I've seen different places say they are affiliated to different organisations, but I would feel happier going with PADI as they seem to be the most popular. Is there much difference between these organisations?

 

[RockyHeap]

I've never dove NZ, but the Poor Knight Islands are supposed to be superb.

While you'll in NZ, you might check into popping up to Fiji while you're in "the neighborhood". Buying your airfare through a NZ travel agent gets you the better exchange rate, and Fiji is just incredible......My wife and I did this and were able to spend 5 nights in Fiji for cheap (air/hotel/food) for $100.

 

[mikelindsay]

Where did you stay/eat and dive in Fiji? We'll be there for all of NOvember and love to hear tips etc. Specifically did you dive near Taveuni? Between this thread and Lonely Planet, some say since Hurricane Amy(i), the reef is no longer that great - thoughts, comments?

Lindsay

 

[AndyD]

Cheers, I'll be sure to check Fiji out. Sounds like a good idea.

 

[El Orans]

I've never dove NZ, but the Poor Knight Islands are supposed to be superb.

The Poor Knights ARE superb.

 

[RockyHeap]

Great place for info, and a good read if you can get the paper copy too.


http://www.divenewzealand.com/

 

[AndyD]

cheers everyone... most helpful. I'll see if I can make it out to Fiji too

 

[Mako Mark]

the Knights are great. They were the first national marine park in the world (fyi).

There is the mikael lermontov (russian cruise liner) in the marlborough sounds which is a killer wreck dive.

Dont you dare miss wiakoropupu springs south of Nelson, reportedly to have the clearest water in the world as it is filtered through a marble mountain for twenty years before it resurges to the surface.

In the deep south, there is weird stuff in the Fijords. A freshwater layre that is almost black sits on top of the salt, and creates a benthic type environment in divable depths.

dress warm for the south tho.

 

[geoffvsjeff]

I just got my c-card a few weeks back. We did our openwater dive in Kaikoura. The water was a little chilly (11 C), but there were loads of fun animals running around. There is a moderate chance of seeing seals and maybe a penguin or two along the shore. In the water we saw some crayfish, octopi, and assorted fish. If you get on a boat and head out a little, you will probably run into dolphins.

My instructor said Banks peninsula by Christchurch also has some nice diving, but I have never been.