Learn wreck-specific dive techniques in the Hauraki Gulf with guided dives, full gear hire and instructor-led training. This course builds on Open Water certification and focuses on safe, responsible exploration of sunken vessels.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off the dive boat into a bright New Zealand morning; the Hauraki Gulf stretches flat and pale, a ribbon of kelp beds and stony breaks between the surface and the shapes below. Masks fog for a heartbeat, regulators click, and then the ocean pulls you down toward rusted beams and coral-touched plating where history sits quietly on the seafloor.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–10 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: comfortable swimming, able to carry kit and perform repetitive dives with surface intervals
Wildlife
History
Many Auckland-area wrecks are relics of coastal trade and WWII-era activity; some were later scuttled intentionally to create reefs and training sites.
Conservation
Operators follow strict no-touch policies and local rules; divers are encouraged to practice buoyancy control and leave artifacts in place to protect fragile marine life.
Reserve your spot on the Wreck Diving Specialty Course today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring your certification and logbook
Operators require proof of Open Water certification and a recent logbook entry; have digital and printed copies ready.
Layer for the ride
Boat transfers can be chilly; pack a windproof layer and waterproof shoes for embarkation and debriefs.
Plan for low visibility
Visibility can change quickly—practice close-formation buddy procedures and rely on your dive computer and slates.
Respect the site
Do not remove artifacts or touch structure; wrecks are marine habitats and protected under local rules.
Dive computer
Tracks depth, no-decompression limits and required for safe profile management around wreck features.
Surface marker buoy (SMB)
Essential for signaling the boat during ascent and when surfacing near busy channels.
Exposure suit (5–7mm wetsuit or drysuit)
Thermal protection varies seasonally; winter dives commonly require thicker neoprene or a drysuit.
winter
Underwater torch
Useful for inspecting recesses and improving visibility in shadowed areas of wrecks.