Sydney Cove in New Zealand offers a diverse marine environment featuring reef, kelp forest, and seagrass habitats. This site is well-suited for beginners, with depths ranging from 5 to 12 metres and an average depth of 8 metres. Divers and snorkellers access the water directly from the shore. Conditions include mild currents and visibility typically between 5 and 10 metres. Water temperatures are cold, fluctuating between 11C and 15C throughout the year. Hazards at this location include cold water, potential entanglement in kelp, and the presence of jellyfish. The site is highly rated for snorkelling.

Evening Cove is a sheltered site located south of Ringaringa on Stewart Island. This marine environment features shallow rocky reefs interspersed with sandy patches, supporting a kelp forest habitat. Divers and snorkellers can expect depths ranging from 1 to 10 metres, with an average depth of 6 metres. Access is via a shore entry, making it suitable for beginners. Conditions are generally calm with mild currents, though visibility varies between 5 and 15 metres. Water temperatures are cool, fluctuating between 11C and 15C throughout the year. Divers should be prepared for cold water conditions and the presence of sharks in the area.

Ringaringa Point is an exposed site on Stewart Island featuring dramatic underwater topography. The site consists of a reef and kelp forest environment shaped by the mixing of currents. Divers and snorkellers should be prepared for strong currents and surf conditions. Water temperatures are cool, typically ranging from 11°C to 15°C, and can feel frigid, often necessitating the use of a drysuit. Due to the challenging conditions, this site is suited for advanced divers. Shore access is available for those navigating the exposed environment.

Ringaringa Beach offers a diverse marine environment featuring a mix of sandy and rocky substrates, reefs, and kelp forests. Divers and snorkellers can explore the reefs around the point, which are influenced by the Ringaringa Passage. Marine life observed here includes common wrasses, sea squirts, and snails, alongside less frequent sightings of abalone, tube worms, sea stars, and the eleven-armed sea star. Rare encounters may include leopard seals, pot-bellied seahorses, broadnose sevengill sharks, bastard trumpeter, crabs, brittle stars, and blue cod. Water temperatures are cool, ranging from 7°C to 15°C. Due to strong currents, surf, and cold water, this site is suited for intermediate divers.

Lonnekers Beach on Stewart Island offers accessible shore-entry snorkelling across shallow reefs and kelp forests. The eastern end of the bay features extensive rock pools, providing opportunities to observe intertidal micro-ecosystems. Snorkellers may encounter wrasses, sea squirts, and triplefins, while less frequent sightings include leopard seals, broadnose sevengill sharks, bastard trumpeter, crabs, and tube worms. Sea stars and abalone are occasionally present, and snails are very common. Water temperatures range from 11C to 15C throughout the year. Beginners should be aware of surf conditions when planning their visit to this coastal site.

Deadmans Beach is a rocky site situated between Bathing Beach and Butterfield Beach on Stewart Island. Divers encounter underwater rock formations and kelp forests, though conditions are variable with potential surge depending on wind direction. This shore entry site is suited for intermediate divers due to strong currents and surf. Visibility typically ranges from 5 to 15 metres. Water temperatures are cold, fluctuating between 11C and 15C throughout the year. Hazards include cold water, entanglement risks, jellyfish, sharks, strong currents, and surf. Given the challenging conditions, this location is less suitable for snorkelling.

Butterfield Beach on Stewart Island, New Zealand, is a north-facing site featuring a reef and kelp forest environment. This shore-entry location is suitable for beginners, offering shallow snorkelling at depths ranging from 1 to 8 metres, with an average of 4 metres. Visibility typically fluctuates between 5 and 15 metres. The water is cool, ranging from 11 to 15C throughout the year. Snorkellers may encounter snails, which are very common, alongside uncommon sightings of abalone, sea stars, and crabs. Brittle stars are occasionally recorded. Hazards include cold water temperatures and surf conditions.

Māori Beach in New Zealand offers a sheltered snorkelling experience featuring rocky outcrops and dense kelp forests. Accessible via the Rakiura Track or by water taxi, the site is suitable for beginners. Snorkellers can explore the reef structures in visibility ranging from 5 to 15 metres. Water temperatures are cool, typically between 11 and 15 degrees Celsius, requiring appropriate thermal protection. The site experiences mild currents and occasional surf. Facilities at the beach include toilets, and guided tours are available for those seeking local expertise. Hazards include cold water, jellyfish, sea urchins, and sharks.