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.

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.

Kau Point in Wellington offers a diverse underwater environment featuring an artificial reef constructed from a grid of tyres, alongside natural kelp forests and silty, sandy sea floors. The site is suitable for intermediate divers due to strong currents and variable visibility ranging from 1 to 10 metres. Depths vary between 4 and 22 metres, with an average of 8 metres. Shore access is available with parking nearby. Divers should be aware of hazards including entanglement, surf, and low visibility. The site is also suitable for night diving, with typical dives lasting around 45 minutes.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.