Dive-site story
Off the Coromandel Peninsula, the Aldermen Islands form the eroded remnants of an ancient rhyolitic volcanic complex. Submerged pinnacles, vertical drop-offs, swim-throughs, and cavernous arches carve out the seascape. Open Pacific currents sweep nutrient-rich water through the gullies, drawing schools of pelagic fish alongside resident reef species sheltered in kelp forests and deep crevices.
Volcanic pinnacles, deep fissures, and natural arches
Pink and blue maomao schooling along sheer rock faces
Cruising pelagic predators such as yellowtail kingfish
Black coral colonies anchored to shaded, deep walls
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Late spring through autumn brings warmer water, clearer visibility, and calmer weather.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yellowtail KingfishSeriola lalandi | Common | ||||||||||||
| Pink MaomaoCaprodon longimanus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Blue MaomaoScorpis violacea | Common | ||||||||||||
| New Zealand Fur SealArctocephalus forsteri | Seasonal | ||||||||||||
| Red Rock LobsterJasus edwardsii | Common |
Marine forecast
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