Diving the Coromandel - Feedback needed

[M1CRO:Me]

Anyone dived the Coromandel recently through DiveHQ or Tairua Dive?
Am heading that way in a few weeks to knock up a few dives and was interested in any feedback and suggestions.

I am qualified to Dive Master level and have a few certifications including Nitrox (Enriched Air), so I normally like the scenic dives, but I also like to mix in a few challenges to keep my skills up-to-date (e.g. Night, Deep, Tricky Underwater Navigation etc).

So any suggestions on destination (Aldermen's, Slipper, Mercury, Castle Rock, Shoe Island, Hahei) would be greatly appreciated

[Blondini]

uMMM A buddy would be advisable...and not sure on coro but have you been to poor nights?probably but if not... go there and durville island.. sorry

[M1CRO:Me]

uMMM A buddy would be advisable...and not sure on coro but have you been to poor nights?probably but if not... go there and durville island.. sorry

Dived the Poor Knights over the Waitangi Weekend with Dive Fish & Snow - Chartered boat with on-board compressor, so it was Dive - Get Out - Have a Feed & a rest - Back in again.. It was absolutely awesome
Managed to get 9 dives in that weekend - including 1 Shipwreck, 2 Night and a few deep ones at the Pinnacles - 43 metres or so

Yes - I have a buddy to go with

The Marlborough Sounds is a bit far at this stage, but would definitely be on the to-do list (have you done this?)

[Blondini]

Done the poor nights The durville is on the wish list

[avgas]

Forgot what its called but the reef about 1-2ks straight off waihi beach is good. especially if you dont mind the deep stuff. Also all the rocks round the north end were ammusing, suicide point and the likes.
Mounts artificial reef should be good to see about now as there should be some life on it since it was put in.

[Guitana]

Dived the Poor Knights over the Waitangi Weekend with Dive Fish & Snow - Chartered boat with on-board compressor, so it was Dive - Get Out - Have a Feed & a rest - Back in again.. It was absolutely awesome
Managed to get 9 dives in that weekend - including 1 Shipwreck, 2 Night and a few deep ones at the Pinnacles - 43 metres or so

Yes - I have a buddy to go with

The Marlborough Sounds is a bit far at this stage, but would definitely be on the to-do list (have you done this?)

Hi
I lived in Marlborough for five years and in that time did a huge amount of diving There are some shit hot spots around the top of the south Durville is just one of them!
Diving Port Gore is great(on the right day) you can dive the Mikhail Lermentov wreck (reccomended) and that general area is well known for Big Crays!!
Around the sounds is great in season for scallops mmmmmmm!!!!!
The Brothers are good for extra large crays but dangerous to dive without local knowledge but none the less a great spot!!

Have'nt had the chance to dive in the Corromandel yet but would like to hear how you go! Bound to be a local dive store that's got trips going all the time they can give you the best advice!

[Goblin]

So any suggestions.....

I'd suggest you get some nice crayfish then PM me and I will come take them for "research" purposes.

[Guitana]

I'd suggest you get some nice crayfish then PM me and I will come take them for "research" purposes.

I second that!!!!

[Patrick]

I'd suggest you get some nice crayfish then PM me and I will come take them for "research" purposes.

Share, Goblin San.....

[Maha]

Managed to get 9 dives in that weekend - including 1 Shipwrecked

Really?.... you managed to wreck a ship and you want help for why?....

[Goblin]

I second that!!!!

Share, Goblin San.....

Purely in the name of research...I'm doing a study on the effects of seafood on my weight, health, wellbeing, libido etc. Crayfish has proved the most difficult delicacy to obtain so any donations would be greatfully recieved....all in the name of research ya know.

[MadDuck]

I would rate the Aldermans second to the Poor Knights for diving.

It depends on the weather as to which spots you can dive of course but if its flat arse calm and there experienced divers on board then ask for Daniels Reef.

[Finn]

I find Opito Bay quite rewarding but mainly for Scollop's and Crays. If you get up early enough, the crays are fast asleep in these little cages that the locals made for them.

[Guitana]

I find Opito Bay quite rewarding but mainly for Scollop's and Crays. If you get up early enough, the crays are fast asleep in these little cages that the locals made for them.

We found some of those in Kaikoura once!! The boys thought that was damn freindly of the locals to trap them for us!!!
Extremely courteous people those Kaikoureans!!!

[justsomeguy]

Hey C,

PM redR1 he may be able to give you some company on the "more challenging" dives, along with some advice on diving in the areas your mentioned.

Good luck and send us some pictures.

JSG