Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Wellington

Ready to check out the best sites in Wellington for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? Zentacle has 2 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. Discover hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. No matter what you're looking for, you can find a diverse range of the best ocean activities in Wellington to suit your needs.
Shop
Island Bay

#1 - Island Bay

New Zealand, NI, Wellington

beginner
(0)
Park opposite "194 The Esplanade" and you'll see the pathway down to the entry
F69

#2 - F69

New Zealand, NI, Wellington

beginner
(0)
The country's newest shipwreck and dive attraction is already covered in algae and home to a myriad of sea life. The former Leander-class Navy frigate HMNZS Wellington was sunk off Island Bay in Wellington on November 13 after six years of planning and preparation. The top of the bridge and the ship's helicopter hangar was only six metres below the surface at low tide and could be dived on by snorkellers. Mr Zeeman said divers with air tanks had said the internal dive on the ship could be done without a torch because there were so many holes cut in the ship which let in a lot of light. The ship had already attracted a lot of sealife, with schools of red cod and juvenile fish. The ship sank in less than two minutes after a huge fireball exploded over the bridge and bow of the ship, and carefully placed explosive charges blew out precut holes in the hull, shown in the above right image. The ship was built in England in 1969 for the Royal Navy and named HMS Bacchante. It was bought by the New Zealand Government in 1981 and renamed HMNZS Wellington. This dive site is only 5 minutes from the cities airport. Located off the south coast is lies les than 1 kilometers off shore and is probably the most accessible divewreck on the planet. Stern of vessel F69 will be at approx GPS point +41deg 21.270S • 174 deg 46.770E F69 is also known as HMNZS Wellington.