Twin Lagoons at the Hole in the Rock in New Zealand is a sheltered reef site suitable for beginners. The area features an interpretive underwater snorkel trail marked by plaques, making it a popular location for snorkelling. Divers and snorkellers can expect shallow depths ranging from 1 to 5 metres, with an average depth of 3 metres. Access to the site is by boat only. Conditions are generally mild, with water temperatures fluctuating between 16C and 22C throughout the year. The site is well-suited for those seeking a relaxed, shallow-water experience in the Bay of Islands.

Cable Bay at the Hole in the Rock in the Bay of Islands offers accessible shore entry into a diverse rocky reef environment. Suitable for both diving and snorkelling, the site features depths ranging from 5 to 30 metres, with an average depth of 15 metres. Conditions are generally mild, though visibility fluctuates between 5 and 25 metres. Divers and snorkellers should remain aware of boat traffic in the area. Facilities available at the location include a cafe, toilets, and guided tours. The site is well-suited for beginners looking for an easy-access coastal experience.

Moturua Island in the Bay of Islands offers shallow reef and kelp forest diving. The site is suitable for beginners, featuring calm, shallow water along the reef edges. Divers should note that conditions vary, with moderate currents and potential surf at entry points. Access is by boat, and the water temperature ranges from 16 to 22 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Due to active boat traffic in the area, divers must tow a surface marker buoy on every ascent. Plan entries and exits at sheltered bays rather than exposed faces to avoid stronger currents found around the island points.

Howe Point Tunnel in the Bay of Islands is a reef and cave site suitable for intermediate divers. The site features an overhead environment, requiring appropriate training and caution. Depths typically range between 12 and 15 metres, with an average depth of 12 metres. Access to this location is by boat only. The habitat supports a variety of temperate marine life, including reef fish and invertebrates common to the region. Water temperatures fluctuate throughout the year, ranging from 16C in winter to 22C in late summer.

Big Eye's Lair at Hole in the Rock is an advanced dive site featuring a cave, reef, and kelp forest. Divers can explore depths ranging from 5 to 24 metres, with an average depth of 15 metres. Access is by boat only. The site presents challenges including overhead environments, surge, and low visibility. Marine life frequently encountered includes wrasses, scorpionfish, butterfly perch, and pink snapper. Divers may also spot green moray, eagle rays, kingfish, Jason mirabilis, pufferfish, southern rock lobster, goatfish, bullseye, blue cod, and the rare deepwater burrfish. Sea urchins are present as a hazard.

Putahaha Island, located near the Hole in the Rock in the Bay of Islands, offers a diverse underwater topography featuring shallow plateaus, vertical walls, and caverns. This site is suitable for intermediate divers, with depths ranging from 10 to 25 metres and an average depth of 18 metres. Access is by boat only, as the site is situated 75 metres from the shore. Conditions vary, with visibility spanning 8 to 30 metres and mild currents. Divers should be aware of the overhead environment within the caverns and the presence of sea urchins. Water temperatures fluctuate between 16C and 22C throughout the year.

The HMSNZ Canterbury is an upright, intact former Navy frigate resting in Deep Water Cove near Cape Brett. The wreck offers diverse exploration, with the bow at 20 metres and the bridge leading to a helicopter hangar at 27 metres. While upper decks suit recreational divers, the stern reaches 36 metres, requiring advanced certification. Divers frequently encounter wrasses and pink snapper, with occasional sightings of eagle rays, green moray, kingfish, and southern rock lobster. Conditions are generally mild with visibility ranging from 8 to 30 metres. Access is by boat only, with depths averaging 25 metres. Hazards include deep water, potential entanglement, and overhead environments within the ship structure.

Deep Water Cove, located at the Hole in the Rock in the Bay of Islands, is a diverse marine site featuring a reef, wreck, artificial reef, and cave systems. The topography is defined by a massive underwater archway. Depths range from 12 to 38 metres, with visibility varying between 8 and 30 metres. The site experiences mild currents and is suitable for intermediate divers. Access is available via both shore and boat entries. Hazards include boat traffic, potential for decompression, deep water, entanglement, overhead environments, and surge. Typical dives last approximately 35 minutes, and the site is highly rated for snorkelling.