Choosing a drysuit isn’t something most divers take lightly. It’s not just another piece ofgear—it’s something you rely on for comfort, safety, and performance in some pretty unforgivingenvironments.After a lot of research and time in the water, I landed on the BARE X-Mission Drysuit and forme, it came down to one key idea: I didn’t […]

For many divers across Aotearoa, being diagnosed with diabetes can feel like the end of their underwater adventures. It is a condition that requires daily management and long-term health awareness — but it does not automatically mean the end of your diving journey. With careful planning, medical oversight, a conservative approach & honest communication with […]

You arrive at the dive shop, sign some forms, organise your dive gear before heading to the dive site. Then the divemaster introduces you to your dive buddy for the day — a total stranger who is here for the same things you are: great diving and returning home safely.  The dive briefing you get […]

New Zealand, famous for its dramatic landscapes above water, hides an equally breathtaking world beneath the surface. From volcanic reefs to kelp forests and historic wrecks, scuba diving in Aotearoa offers some of the most diverse and pristine underwater experiences anywhere in the world. Whether you’re a first-time diver or a seasoned adventurer, the underwater […]

Minke whales may be the smallest of the baleen whales, but they are among the most widespread and fascinating whales in the ocean. Known for their sleek bodies, curious behavior around boats, and surprising agility, these whales can be found in nearly every ocean on Earth. Despite their relatively modest size, Minke whales are fast […]

I, Cam, completed my Diploma in Scuba Instruction at Dive Otago to become a Specialty Instructor. I was eager to head overseas and find warmer waters, but the opportunity came up to work with the team at Dive HQ Wellington. While this was not my original plan, it has been well worth spending 18 months […]

Especially Caffeine, Nicotine, and Over-the-Counter Meds Scuba diving is an extraordinary activity that combines physical exertion, environmental pressure changes, and mental focus. What you consume in the hours before a dive—whether it’s your morning coffee, a nicotine hit, or something as common as a cold & flu tablet—can significantly impact how your body performs underwater. […]

Scared of sharks? Fear no more, Meet Wellingtons friendly carpet sharks! The Draughtsboard Shark (Cephaloscyllium isabellum), affectionately dubbed the Carpet Shark, is a distinctive species native to New Zealand’s coastal waters. Recognizable by its unique checkerboard pattern of dark blotches, this bottom-dwelling catshark thrives camouflaged in rocky reefs and sandy flats, often cruising around at […]

What is it about long awaited dive trips that says you have to get up at stupid o’clock to get to the airport…? Anyway, by 5am on a crisp Christchurch morning, 6 of us are checked in to Nadi, 2 more divers to be collected in Auckland on the way. 7 hours, a movie and […]