Canterbury offers some of the most varied and rewarding diving in New Zealand. From sheltered bays and easy shore dives to deeper offshore reefs and remote coastal locations, the region caters to everyone from new divers to experienced spearos and freedivers. While conditions can be changeable, choosing the right spot for the day makes all the difference.
Below is a guide to some of the best diving locations in Canterbury and what makes each one special.
Motunau – North Canterbury
Motunau is one of Canterbury’s most popular dive spots and is well known for crayfish, reef fish, and kelp-covered foul ground.
- Best for: Crayfish, freediving, spearfishing
- Access: Shore dive or small boat
- Conditions: Exposed – best in small swell
The reef structure at Motunau features cracks, ledges, and boulders that make ideal crayfish habitat. Visibility can be excellent after calm weather, but surge can be strong if swell picks up, so timing is critical.
Gore Bay
Just south of Motunau, Gore Bay offers a mix of sandy bottom and rocky reef, making it a good alternative when Motunau is too rough.
- Best for: Scallops (in season), reef exploration
- Access: Shore dive
- Conditions: Slightly more sheltered than Motunau
Gore Bay is a good option for relaxed dives and training, with gentle contours and interesting terrain when conditions allow.
Kaikōura
Kaikōura is arguably Canterbury’s most iconic dive destination, with deep water close to shore and a rich marine ecosystem.
- Best for: Blue cod, pāua, crayfish, scenery
- Access: Shore and boat
- Conditions: Can be affected by swell, often clearer in winter
The Kaikōura Peninsula offers multiple entry points, with kelp forests, walls, and reefs. Boat diving opens access to offshore reefs and deeper ground, often holding larger fish and better visibility.
Port Levy – Banks Peninsula
Port Levy is one of the most reliable dive locations in Canterbury due to its shelter from prevailing winds.
- Best for: Training dives, reef fish, photography
- Access: Shore and boat
- Conditions: Sheltered and consistent
The calm conditions make Port Levy ideal for newer divers and club trips. While not known for big crays, the marine life and relaxed diving make it a favourite.
Lyttelton Harbour
Often overlooked, Lyttelton Harbour offers surprisingly good diving, particularly when open-coast conditions are poor.
- Best for: Training, macro life, easy dives
- Access: Shore dive
- Conditions: Very sheltered, variable visibility
While not a hunting spot, Lyttelton is excellent for skill development, night dives, and underwater photography, with plenty of structure and marine life to explore.
Akaroa Harbour
Akaroa Harbour provides scenic diving with calm waters and a unique marine environment.
- Best for: Scenic dives, photography, relaxed exploration
- Access: Shore and boat
- Conditions: Sheltered, generally calm
Visibility can vary, but the harbour’s cliffs, reefs, and marine life make it a great option when the open coast is unfriendly.
Offshore Reefs and Banks Peninsula Coast
For experienced divers with boat access, the offshore reefs along the Banks Peninsula coast offer some of the best diving in the region.
- Best for: Advanced diving, spearfishing, deeper reefs
- Access: Boat only
- Conditions: Weather-dependent
These areas often hold better fish life and clearer water, but require careful planning and favourable conditions.
Choosing the Right Spot
Canterbury diving is highly weather-dependent. Always consider:
- Swell direction and height
- Wind strength and direction
- Tide and current
- Entry and exit safety
Having multiple backup locations planned ensures you can still get a dive in even when conditions change.
Final Thoughts
Diving in Canterbury rewards patience, local knowledge, and respect for the environment. While conditions can be challenging, the variety of dive sites means there is almost always somewhere diveable if you’re flexible. From sheltered harbours to rugged open-coast reefs, Canterbury offers a diverse and satisfying underwater playground for those willing to pick their days.