Owhiro Bay in Wellington offers a diverse underwater environment featuring both reef structures and four distinct wrecks. Divers and snorkellers can explore the Yung Penn, a Taiwanese squid boat sunk in 1981, the Progress, and the Wellington and Cyrus, both dating back to 1874. Located within the Taputeranga Marine Reserve, the site features channels throughout the reef. Depths range from 5 to 16 metres, with an average of 8 metres. Access is via a shore entry approximately 60 metres from the beach. Conditions are variable, with visibility ranging from 2 to 10 metres and potential for surf, surge, and strong currents. Parking is available at the site.

Located within the Taputeranga Marine Reserve, the Island Bay Snorkel Trail offers a diverse marine environment featuring reef structures and kelp forests. The site is accessible from the shore and reaches depths between 5 and 15 metres. Divers and snorkellers should be prepared for cold water temperatures, which range from 12 to 17 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Conditions include moderate currents and visibility typically between 5 and 10 metres. The area is suitable for beginners, though visitors should remain aware of potential hazards such as surge, surf, and strong currents. Facilities including parking, toilets, and equipment rental are available nearby in Wellington.

The F69 Wreck, formerly the HMNZS Wellington, is a Leander-class frigate scuttled in 2005 to serve as an artificial reef. Located 400 metres from shore, the site features the wreckage split into two main sections, including the bow with its intact forward guns and anchors. Depths range from 6 to 22 metres, with an average of 21 metres. Access is by boat only. Conditions are variable, with visibility ranging from 2 to 12 metres and water temperatures between 12 and 16C. The site is suitable for beginners, though a guide is recommended for those with limited experience. Hazards include deep sections, entanglement risks, low visibility, overhead environments, and strong currents.

Red Rocks in Wellington is a shore-entry reef dive site with an average depth of 5 metres. Divers should be prepared for variable conditions, including cold water, low visibility, surf, and surge. The site is suitable for beginners, though caution is advised regarding sea urchins. Marine life recorded at this site includes common abalone, sea stars, and snails. Divers may also encounter uncommon species such as long-nosed fur seals, southern rock lobsters, brittle stars, crabs, and triplefins. Rarer sightings include the New Zealand octopus, deepwater burrfish, bluebottles, eleven-armed sea stars, sea hares, and rock-pool shrimp. Facilities at the location include parking and toilets.

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.

The HMNZS Wellington is a decommissioned New Zealand Navy frigate resting upright on the seabed in the Outer Harbour of Wellington. Sunk as an artificial reef, the wreck sits at depths ranging from 6 to 22 metres. The upper structure is suitable for open water divers, while deeper sections are better suited for those with advanced or wreck certifications. Visibility typically ranges from 5 to 10 metres, so a torch is recommended for exploring interior passages. Access is by boat only, located 400 metres from shore. Currents are generally mild, though conditions can shift, and water temperatures range from 12 to 16 degrees Celsius.

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.

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.