Mahanga Bay in Wellington is a shore-entry dive site featuring the remains of an old scientific research station, including a wharf and a submerged car. The site offers a varied underwater landscape of reef, wreck, and artificial structures. Divers can explore depths ranging from 5 to 14 metres, with an average depth of 10 metres. Conditions are generally mild, though visibility fluctuates between 3 and 10 metres. The site is suitable for beginners and supports night diving, with typical dives lasting around 45 minutes. Facilities at the location include parking and toilets. Divers should be aware of potential entanglement hazards and the variable visibility.

Scorching Bay in Wellington offers a sheltered shore entry, making it a reliable site for diving when conditions elsewhere are challenging. The site features a reef and kelp forest environment with depths ranging from 1 to 8 metres, averaging 5 metres. It is well-suited for beginners and provides a calm setting for photography. Divers should remain aware of boat traffic in the area. Facilities at the site include parking, toilets, showers, changing rooms, and a cafe. Typical dives last around 45 minutes, and the site is also suitable for night diving.

Shelly Bay in Wellington is a shore-accessible reef site suitable for beginners. Divers and snorkellers can expect an average depth of 8 metres with mild currents. Visibility varies significantly, ranging from 1 to 10 metres. The site features a variety of marine life, including common sightings of pot-bellied seahorses, reef squid, and eleven-armed sea stars. Other species recorded here include conger eels, wrasses, gurnard, pink snapper, and various crabs, snails, and tube worms. Long-nosed fur seals are occasionally encountered. The site is suitable for night diving, with typical dives lasting around 40 minutes. Facilities include nearby parking and a cafe. Be aware of potential entanglement hazards and fluctuating visibility.

Taranaki Wharf Jump Platform offers a straightforward shore entry into a compact artificial reef environment. The site features depths ranging from 6 to 15 metres, with an average depth of 10 metres. Suitable for beginners, the area experiences mild currents and visibility typically between 5 and 10 metres. The wharf structure provides a distinct habitat, though divers should remain aware of potential entanglement risks and keep loose gear secured. Water temperatures fluctuate between 12 and 17 degrees Celsius, making a 5mm wetsuit and gloves advisable for comfort. Night diving is a viable option at this location, which also offers nearby facilities including toilets and a cafe.

Matiu-Somes Wharf in Wellington offers a diverse dive experience featuring an old wharf winch, a half-sunken barge, and the structures of both old and new wharves. This shore-entry site is suitable for beginners, with depths ranging from 5 to 18 metres and an average of 10 metres. Divers should be aware of potential hazards including boat traffic, entanglement risks, overhead environments, and sea urchins. Visibility typically fluctuates between 3 and 8 metres, and water temperatures range from 12C to 16C throughout the year. The site provides a unique opportunity to explore artificial reef structures and muck diving environments in a marine setting.

Breaker Bay is a rocky reef and kelp forest site located at the entrance to Wellington Harbour. The topography consists of rocky terrain interspersed with deep channels. Divers can expect depths ranging from 6 to 18 metres, with an average depth of 11 metres. This site is suitable for intermediate divers and offers shore access with parking available. Conditions are variable, with strong currents and surf present, and visibility typically between 2 and 5 metres. Water temperatures are cool, ranging from 12 to 16 degrees Celsius, requiring appropriate thermal protection. Night diving is permitted at this location.

Elsdon Pipe in Wellington is a rugged site featuring deep channels and swim-throughs. The topography includes both natural reef and artificial structures. Divers access the water via a channel through the rocks located just south of the old sewage pipe. Conditions are variable, with depths ranging from 5 to 16 metres and an average depth of 12 metres. The site is subject to moderate currents, surge, and surf, with visibility typically between 6 and 10 metres. Due to these environmental factors, this site is suited for advanced divers. Parking is available for those accessing the site from the shore.

Princess Bay in Wellington is a shore-accessible reef site suitable for beginners. Divers and snorkellers can enter from the beach, following rocky reefs through weed beds to reach sandy areas. The site ranges from 8 to 18 metres in depth, with an average of 9 metres. Conditions include mild currents and visibility that can vary, with surf present as a potential hazard. Facilities at the site include parking, toilets, showers, and changing rooms. The location is also suitable for night diving.