Rocky Bay in Wellington offers a varied underwater terrain featuring reefs, channels, and sandy patches. Divers can explore depths ranging from 4 to 14 metres. The site is accessed via a shore entry that requires navigating jagged rocks, making it suitable for intermediate divers with good balance. Conditions are generally mild, though divers should be aware of sharp coral. Marine life recorded at the site includes common sea stars, alongside uncommon wrasses, clown doris, crabs, sea hares, tube worms, klipfish, deepwater burrfish, and abalone. Rare sightings include New Zealand octopus, eagle rays, catsharks, Jason mirabilis, and scorpionfish. Water temperatures fluctuate between 13C and 17C throughout the year.

Onehunga Bay in Wellington offers a shallow reef environment suitable for beginners, with depths ranging from 3 to 10 metres and an average of 5 metres. Divers and snorkellers can navigate along the reef extending from both sides of the bay. Shore access is available, supported by local parking and toilet facilities. Visibility typically ranges between 5 and 10 metres. The site is subject to surge and low visibility, and divers should be aware of sea urchins and sharks in the area. The site provides a straightforward experience for those practising navigation along the weed line.

Matiu-Somes Wharf in Wellington offers a diverse dive experience featuring an old wharf winch, a half-sunken barge, and the structures of both old and new wharves. This shore-entry site is suitable for beginners, with depths ranging from 5 to 18 metres and an average of 10 metres. Divers should be aware of potential hazards including boat traffic, entanglement risks, overhead environments, and sea urchins. Visibility typically fluctuates between 3 and 8 metres, and water temperatures range from 12C to 16C throughout the year. The site provides a unique opportunity to explore artificial reef structures and muck diving environments in a marine setting.

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.

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.

Taranaki Wharf Jump Platform offers a straightforward shore entry into a compact artificial reef environment. The site features depths ranging from 6 to 15 metres, with an average depth of 10 metres. Suitable for beginners, the area experiences mild currents and visibility typically between 5 and 10 metres. The wharf structure provides a distinct habitat, though divers should remain aware of potential entanglement risks and keep loose gear secured. Water temperatures fluctuate between 12 and 17 degrees Celsius, making a 5mm wetsuit and gloves advisable for comfort. Night diving is a viable option at this location, which also offers nearby facilities including toilets and a cafe.

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.

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.