

Best for beginner divers, 5-15m, boat entry, mild current.
The Gardens Pinnacles, located near RikoRiko Cave, offers a diverse underwater landscape featuring pinnacles, reef structures, and kelp forests. Divers can explore depths ranging from 5 to 15 metres, with an average depth of 12 metres. The site is accessible only by boat and is suitable for beginners, though divers should be aware of potential surge and strong currents. Visibility typically ranges between 10 and 30 metres. Marine life frequently encountered includes wrasses, scorpionfish, and clown doris. Less common sightings include mosaic moray, green moray, smooth ray, eagle ray, pufferfish, pink maomao, kingfish, and the occasional long-nosed fur seal, southern rock lobster, or banded coral shrimp.
-35.47470, 174.73690
If you visit when the site is full of shrimp, you will not be able to see your buddy through the feeding fish.
The site is accessed by boat.
Recorded at this site
Depth
5-15m
Visibility
10-30m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
16-22°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
50 min
Divers regularly encounter wrasses, scorpionfish, and clown doris. Other species recorded at the site include mosaic moray, green moray, smooth ray, eagle ray, pufferfish, pink maomao, kingfish, southern rock lobster, banded coral shrimp, and the rare long-nosed fur seal.
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners, though divers should remain cautious of surge and strong currents.
The depth ranges from 5 to 15 metres, with an average depth of 12 metres.
This is a boat-only dive site located 23 kilometres from the shore.
While the site is primarily a dive location, the shallow sections of the pinnacles and reef may be suitable for snorkelling depending on current and surge conditions.
Diving at The Gardens Pinnacles in Tutukaka requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at The Gardens Pinnacles in Tutukaka. Water temperatures range from 16°C to 22°C.
The Gardens Pinnacles in Tutukaka typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at The Gardens Pinnacles in Tutukaka typically ranges from 10 metres to 30 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.