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Board a full‑day charter from Matauri Bay to dive the intact Rainbow Warrior wreck in the Cavalli Islands. Two tank dives reach around 27 m, offering both a slice of maritime history and vibrant marine life.
Board a full‑day charter from Matauri Bay to dive the intact Rainbow Warrior wreck in the Cavalli Islands. Two tank dives reach around 27 m, offering both a slice of maritime history and vibrant marine life.
You step off the skiff into a clean, ocean-breathed morning; the Cavalli Islands sit low on the horizon while the dive boat hums and crews readied tanks. The wreck lurks below a sheet of blue—an intact hull at about 27 m that now hosts encrusting sponges, schools of snapper and curious reef fish.
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Operated by New Zealand Diving Ltd · Matauri Bay, Northland
You step off the skiff into a clean, ocean-breathed morning; the Cavalli Islands sit low on the horizon while the dive boat hums and crews readied tanks. The wreck lurks below a sheet of blue—an intact hull at about 27 m that now hosts encrusting sponges, schools of snapper and curious reef fish.
The Rainbow Warrior has a charged history: once a Greenpeace flagship, its final resting place is now a marine refuge where human drama gives way to ecological reclamation. Geologically the Cavalli group is a mix of rocky headlands and sheltered bays with reef systems that transition from kelp and macroalgae in shallow water to deeper-pelagic communities around the wreck.
Local culture in Northland is maritime and Māori‑influenced; the coastline carries stories of navigation, fishing and coastal care handed down through generations. Divers here move between living reef and a single artificial reef that doubles as a historical site—respectful observation is the norm.
Practical notes: charters launch from Matauri Bay (near Kerikeri) and run a full day with two-tank profiles to the Rainbow Warrior. Certified open‑water divers only—proof of certification and a recent dive within 12 months are required. Expect boat transfers, a sheltered bay descent and dives to roughly 27 m; bring a dive computer, redundant tape and surface-signaling device. Sun protection, water and seasickness precautions make the day more comfortable. The experience balances history, marine life and technical attention—rewarding for confident, current‑aware divers who want wreck time in clear northern New Zealand water.
moderate.
6–7 hours.
Moderate fitness: able to carry kit, perform surface swims and handle multiple dives in a day
Yes—minimum Open Water certification is required and proof must be shown; divers should have logged a dive in the last 12 months or arrange a refresher.
The wreck lies at approximately 27 metres, so dives require comfort with deeper open‑water profiles and proper ascent planning.
Typical inclusions are boat launch, two‑tank dives, full gear hire and dive guide support; check the operator pack for exact inclusions and launch details.
Charters usually depart Matauri Bay near Kerikeri around 09:30 and return mid‑afternoon (around 16:00); confirm exact meeting point and arrival time with the dive centre.
The Rainbow Warrior served as an activist vessel; its final resting place off the Cavalli Islands has become both a dive attraction and a reminder of maritime and political history.
The site is managed with conservation in mind—divers are asked to follow low‑impact practices to protect marine life that now inhabits the wreck.
New Zealand Diving Ltd operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You step off the skiff into a clean, ocean-breathed morning; the Cavalli Islands sit low on the horizon while the dive boat hums and crews readied tanks. The wreck lurks below a sheet of blue—an intact hull at about 27 m that now hosts encrusting sponges, schools of snapper and curious reef fish.
You step off the skiff into a clean, ocean-breathed morning; the Cavalli Islands sit low on the horizon while the dive boat hums and crews readied tanks. The wreck lurks below a sheet of blue—an intact hull at about 27 m that now hosts encrusting sponges, schools of snapper and curious reef fish.
The Rainbow Warrior has a charged history: once a Greenpeace flagship, its final resting place is now a marine refuge where human drama gives way to ecological reclamation. Geologically the Cavalli group is a mix of rocky headlands and sheltered bays with reef systems that transition from kelp and macroalgae in shallow water to deeper-pelagic communities around the wreck.
Local culture in Northland is maritime and Māori‑influenced; the coastline carries stories of navigation, fishing and coastal care handed down through generations. Divers here move between living reef and a single artificial reef that doubles as a historical site—respectful observation is the norm.
Practical notes: charters launch from Matauri Bay (near Kerikeri) and run a full day with two-tank profiles to the Rainbow Warrior. Certified open‑water divers only—proof of certification and a recent dive within 12 months are required. Expect boat transfers, a sheltered bay descent and dives to roughly 27 m; bring a dive computer, redundant tape and surface-signaling device. Sun protection, water and seasickness precautions make the day more comfortable. The experience balances history, marine life and technical attention—rewarding for confident, current‑aware divers who want wreck time in clear northern New Zealand water.