Paihia and Waitangi

Diving

The Bay of Islands has some of the finest scuba diving in the country, particularly around Cape Brett, where the marine life includes moray eels, stingrays, and grouper. The wreck of the Greenpeace vessel Rainbow Warrior, bombed and sunk by French agents in 1985, is another underwater highlight. The wreck was transported to the Cavalli Islands in 1987 and is now covered in soft corals and jewel anemones; it's full of fish life. Water temperature at the surface varies from 16°C (62°F) in July to 22°C (71°F) in January. From September through November, underwater visibility can be affected by a plankton bloom.

Paihia Dive Compass Ltd.. Accredited divers can rent equipment rental and take boat trips like the deep sea adventure dive (NZ$275 per day); the unaccredited can sign up for dive courses. Box 210, Paihia. 09/402-7551 or 0800/107-551. www.divenz.com.

More Sports and Outdoors

• Boating
• Diving

• Fishing