Kapiti Island Dive Site, New Zealand

Diving Overview for Kapiti Island

Kapiti Island has a maximum diving depth of around 25.0 m / 82 ft and is suitable for all divers. The average visibility is 10-20 metres and access to the dive site is by boat.

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Kapiti Island lies 7km off Paraparaumu Beach in the North Island. Kapiti Island is home to many of New Zealand's rarest birds including kiwi, takahe, hihi & kaka.

The underwater scenery within the marine reserve is some of the finest in the greater Wellington region.

Scuba diving is most rewarding on the western side and northern end of the Island. The boulder bottom, sheltered reef and sandy bottom habitats are home to a rich variety of marine life. Orange and yellow sponges colour the reefs and luxuriant seaweed beds feed kina and paua (abalone).

Starfish, corals, anemones, octopus and reef fish such as butterfish, blue cod and red mullet are also residents of these exceptionally clear waters. Visitors to Kapiti include ocean fish like blue moki and kingfish; subtropical fish such as the spotted black groper, drumfish and magpie perch might also be seen.

Kapiti Island is a great site for larger mammals including fur seals and whales. Fur seals use Arapawaiti at the northern end of the island as a winter hauling ground. Offshore they feed on squid and schooling fish until they migrate south to breed. Whales and dolphins are also regular visitors to these waters.

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