

Best for beginner divers, 2-18m, shore entry, mild current.
Mahurangi Island, located 100 metres off Hahei Beach near Whitianga, offers a diverse marine environment featuring reefs and kelp forests. The site is suitable for beginners, with depths ranging from 2 to 18 metres and an average depth of 5 metres. Divers and snorkellers can expect mild currents and visibility that varies significantly between 1 and 25 metres. Shore access is available, and the site supports both day and night diving. Facilities at the nearby shore include parking, toilets, showers, changing rooms, a cafe, and a dive shop offering guided tours. Water temperatures fluctuate between 15C and 22C throughout the year.
-36.82990, 175.82210
The site is accessible as a day trip from Auckland.
Accessible via boat diving from nearby harbors.
Recorded at this site
Depth
Up to 18m
Visibility
1-25m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
15-22°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
50 min
Best Time
Mar, Dec
Yes, the site is rated as suitable for beginners.
The depth ranges from 2 to 18 metres, with an average depth of 5 metres.
Access to the site is from the shore, located 100 metres away.
Yes, Mahurangi Island is suitable for both diving and snorkelling.
Diving at Mahurangi Island in Whitianga requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at Mahurangi Island in Whitianga. Water temperatures range from 15°C to 22°C.
The best months to visit Mahurangi Island in Whitianga are March and December. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Divers at Mahurangi Island in Whitianga should be aware of jellyfish. These encounters are generally rare and avoidable with proper awareness. Follow local safety guidance and maintain a respectful distance from all marine life.
Mahurangi Island in Whitianga typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Mahurangi Island in Whitianga typically ranges from 1 metres to 25 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.