Whale Island, located off the coast of White Island, offers a temperate reef dive suitable for beginners. The site features a reef structure ranging from 10 to 20 metres in depth. Divers can expect moderate currents, providing an opportunity to practise buoyancy and positioning. Visibility at the site typically ranges between 5 and 10 metres. Water temperatures fluctuate between 15 and 22 degrees Celsius throughout the year, necessitating appropriate thermal protection. Access to the site is by boat only. The reef environment supports a variety of temperate marine life and invertebrates typical of the region.

The Seafire wreck is an artificial reef located off White Island, New Zealand. Resting at depths between 7 and 30 metres, the site offers a varied profile suitable for intermediate divers with wreck certification. The upper structure provides shallower exploration, while the deeper sections reach 30 metres. Divers should expect moderate currents and variable visibility ranging from 5 to 20 metres. Due to the nature of the wreck, hazards include potential entanglement and sharp metal edges. Water temperatures fluctuate between 15 and 21 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Access to this site is by boat only, and divers must maintain close contact with their team to manage navigation in changing conditions.

Otarawairere Bay at White Island offers a reef environment accessible via shore entry. Divers and snorkellers can explore the area, which features rock pools at both ends of the beach providing calmer pockets for observation. Conditions are variable, with visibility ranging from 5 to 15 metres and mild currents. The site is suitable for beginners, though visitors should be aware of potential hazards including surf, rip currents, and low visibility. Water temperatures fluctuate between 15C and 22C throughout the year. The habitat supports a variety of reef fish and invertebrates typical of the region.

Rurima Island Lagoon is a wide, shallow reef system located north of White Island. This site features a mix of reef and wreck topography, reaching depths of up to 30 metres. Accessible only by boat, the site is situated 9000 metres from the shore. The area provides a habitat for a variety of temperate marine life, including reef fish and invertebrates. Water temperatures fluctuate between 15C and 21C throughout the year. Due to the depth and conditions, this site is best suited for intermediate divers, though it also offers opportunities for snorkelling.

White Island is an active volcanic island in the Bay of Plenty, offering a diverse underwater landscape of reefs, pinnacles, and drop-offs. The site features a depth range extending to 25 metres, with deeper water accessible beyond. Divers should be prepared for variable currents and visibility ranging from 5 to 20 metres. A thermocline is often present, marking transitions between water masses. Access is strictly by boat, and the site is suited for intermediate divers due to the potential for strong currents, surf, and boat traffic. Always confirm current strength with your skipper and plan your dive profile with a clear exit strategy before entering the water.

Letterbox Point in Lake Rotoma offers a shore-accessible freshwater dive suitable for beginners. The site features a small sunken dinghy and an artificial reef structure. Divers can expect depths ranging from 1 to 13 metres, with an average depth of 10 metres. Conditions vary, with visibility typically between 6 and 13 metres and mild currents. The site is accessible via parking near the shore and supports night diving. Typical dive times are approximately 50 minutes. Divers should remain aware of boat traffic in the area and the potential for low visibility.

Lazens Reef is an offshore pinnacle and reef system located near White Island. The site features depths ranging from 20 to 30 metres, with visibility consistently reaching 30 metres. Due to the offshore location, boat access is required for all entry and exit procedures. Divers should be prepared for moderate currents that can influence descent and bottom time. Given the depth, careful monitoring of no-decompression limits and air consumption is essential. This site is suited for intermediate divers who are comfortable managing their depth and current conditions in an open-water environment.

Motunau Island is a volcanic site located 12 kilometres off the coast of Mayor Island. The topography features a narrow channel separating two portions of the island, with reefs and pinnacles providing a varied underwater landscape. Divers can observe deep-water cup sponges and hydroids at very shallow depths. Access to this site is by boat only. Conditions are variable, with moderate currents, surge, and potential surf. Due to these environmental factors, this site is suited for advanced divers. Snorkellers may also enjoy the site, which holds a 5/5 rating for the activity.