Shag Point (Matakaea) is a rugged headland in Otago, New Zealand, defined by extensive flat rock platforms and dense forests of giant bladder kelp. This marine site is accessed via a shore entry and is suited for intermediate divers. Water temperatures at this location vary throughout the year, ranging from 10C in August to 16C during the summer months of January and February. Parking is available for visitors at the site. The area is also suitable for snorkelling, with a rating of 3 out of 5. Divers and snorkellers should be prepared for variable conditions typical of this exposed coastal environment.

Huriawa Peninsula in Otago features rugged coastal topography and deep water adjacent to the rocks. The northern side of the headland is characterised by reefs covered in kelp forests. This site is suitable for intermediate divers and snorkellers, with shore access available near the historic pā site. Conditions include moderate currents and water temperatures ranging from 10C to 15C throughout the year. Divers and snorkellers should be aware of potential surf conditions in the area. Parking is available for visitors at this location.

Aramoana Mole is a man-made rock wall in Otago, New Zealand, originally constructed as Cargill’s Pier to protect the harbour entrance. This site offers a mix of wall, wreck, and artificial reef diving at depths between 10 and 30 metres. Divers can encounter long-nosed fur seals, which are very common, alongside less frequent sightings of leopard seals, wrasses, skates, abalone, bastard trumpeter, sea stars, snails, sea squirts, and triplefins. The site is suitable for beginners, though divers should be prepared for cold water temperatures, potential entanglement hazards, and moderate currents. Access is available via shore or boat, with visibility typically ranging from 3 to 10 metres.

Canoe Beach is a sheltered bay located on the South Island of New Zealand, situated behind Mapoutahi Pa. This site features sea caves accessible via shore entry at low tide from Doctors Point. The environment is suitable for beginners, offering mild currents and a depth profile typical of coastal cave systems. Water temperatures fluctuate between 10C and 15C throughout the year, necessitating appropriate thermal protection for divers. Species recorded around this area include long-nosed fur seals, wrasses, sea stars, and various crabs. Snorkelling is also possible at this location, which provides parking facilities for visitors.

Purakaunui Inlet Channel is a reef site located on the South Island of New Zealand. The topography consists of deep rocky sections within the inlet channel. Divers access the site from the shore, where parking is available. Conditions are variable, with mild currents and potential surge. Water temperatures range from 10C to 15C throughout the year. Due to the presence of rip currents and sharks, this site is recommended for intermediate divers. Snorkelling is possible at this location, with a rating of 3 out of 5.

Aramoana Mole, known locally as The Mole, is a man-made rock wall in Otago, New Zealand, that serves as a shore-based dive and snorkel site. The topography includes a wall structure, artificial reefs, and several scuttled shipwrecks. Divers can expect depths ranging from 10 to 30 metres, with an average depth of 15 metres. Conditions vary, with visibility typically between 3 and 10 metres and moderate currents. The site is suitable for intermediate divers and offers opportunities for night diving. Hazards include cold water temperatures, deep sections, entanglement risks, low visibility, and strong currents. Facilities nearby include parking, air fills, and guided tours.

Te Umu Kuri in Otago is a submerged rock wall extending into the harbour. This site is suitable for beginners, particularly during high slack tide, and offers depths ranging from 1 to 20 metres. Divers and snorkellers access the site from the shore, where parking is available. Conditions vary, with visibility typically between 3 and 15 metres and water temperatures fluctuating from 10C to 15C throughout the year. Be aware of strong currents and boat traffic when planning your dive or snorkel. A typical dive duration at this location is approximately 40 minutes.