Paihia Dive
Paihia Dive
5
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
Paihia Dive is the best little dive shop in the Bay of Islands and it’s our pleasure to show you all the underwater wonders of this beautiful part of NZ. We offer trips to the spectacular Rainbow Warrior aboard our fully equipped dive RIB 'Aka Maru', which takes only 7 minutes from the shore to reach the dive site. Dive The HMNZS Canterbury, New Zealand’s last Frigate to be purpose sunk for diving. Sunk 11 years ago, she is covered in jewel anemones and sponges. This wreck is massive and well worth diving! Dive the Bay of Islands with the longest running dive charter operation. Paihia Dive has been taking divers under since 1978, and Craig has been diving in the Bay for 25 years. For a true local experience join Paihia Dive for a day diving. Learn to dive with the best! Paihia Dive is a PADI 5 Star Dive Centre. All our dive courses are taught by experienced instructors, and the classes are nice and small. Start your Open Water Course today!
Paihia, New Zealand
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Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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5.0
526 reviews
Excellent
482
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35
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3rdasBright
Christchurch, New Zealand10 contributions
Jan 2021 • Couples
My husband and I visited Paihia on our honeymoon for the sole purpose of diving for the first time in our home country.
We booked two days, the first to dive the Rainbow Warrior and the second to dive the Canterbury wreck.
We were a bit nervous as we hadn't dived in almost two years and were starting with a deep dive.
It's a tricky industry because the operators are dealing with all ranges of experience and confidence on one boat as well as factors beyond their control - weather, water temp etc. This team nailed it, taking the time to make sure everybody's gear fit and worked well and once in the water that everybody was feeling calm, safe and ok to dive.
We liked that we could be a part of loading and launching the boat - it bonded the group - adding to the kiwi experience and in our opinion, better than standing around having that stuff done for you!
The instructors were vastly experienced and it was fun listening to everybody's dive stories in the surface intervals.
It was an awesome kiwi experience that we look forward to visiting again!
We booked two days, the first to dive the Rainbow Warrior and the second to dive the Canterbury wreck.
We were a bit nervous as we hadn't dived in almost two years and were starting with a deep dive.
It's a tricky industry because the operators are dealing with all ranges of experience and confidence on one boat as well as factors beyond their control - weather, water temp etc. This team nailed it, taking the time to make sure everybody's gear fit and worked well and once in the water that everybody was feeling calm, safe and ok to dive.
We liked that we could be a part of loading and launching the boat - it bonded the group - adding to the kiwi experience and in our opinion, better than standing around having that stuff done for you!
The instructors were vastly experienced and it was fun listening to everybody's dive stories in the surface intervals.
It was an awesome kiwi experience that we look forward to visiting again!
Written 29 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mjones186057
Bristol, UK13 contributions
Feb 2020
I spent a delightful day diving the Canterbury wreck and Putahataha reef with these guys. Equipment is well maintained, the whole team were extremely helpful and friendly before the dive and were awsome during the trip. I have never come across a team that can get you out of your kit, your tank changed and kit stowed away so quickly and professionally. They are definitely a very sleek outfit and I'd recommend them to anyone wishing to dive the Bay of Islands. For a small charge an excellent packed lunch is also provided.
Written 10 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jean c
2 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
Boat was full, it could have easily messy with all the gear, but staff and Craig are doing a great job to make everything efficient, with no hassle and waste of time. Attention to detail, staff nice and assertive enough to make everything flowing well and tidy. Safety briefing short with everything but not all the crap you have to go through with some companies. Tourist operator almost all my life in different outdoor activities, it was nice to watch that team working together, knowing what to do, at what time etc .. it was flawless i think. Great leadership boss :)
I ll will be back for sure, i dive for 15 years now and try to avoid diving companies, too much safety, too much talk, often overpriced. I paid $200 ( i needed only tanks) 12 clients, 5 staff on the boat, petrol, boat maintenance, office, and company overhead, short high season, all weather dependant.
Well done, see again later ;)
I ll will be back for sure, i dive for 15 years now and try to avoid diving companies, too much safety, too much talk, often overpriced. I paid $200 ( i needed only tanks) 12 clients, 5 staff on the boat, petrol, boat maintenance, office, and company overhead, short high season, all weather dependant.
Well done, see again later ;)
Written 19 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Kayabe,
Thanks for taking the time to review your trip out with us. As an adventure tourism operator you do tend to do activities with a critical eye, evaluating how operators do things. So I'm glad we passed! 😁
It was a real pleasure to meet you and I hope to see you back again for some more diving.
Cheers, Craig.
Written 19 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
G and C I
Auckland6 contributions
Jan 2021
Craig & his team were fantastic. My young boys had not been diving since qualifying 12mths ago, but Craig & his team were super patient, heplful and took their time to ensure everyone was ready to have a great experience.
The diving was beautiful, with some fantastic swim-thorughs and even a cave. Marine life was stunning.
Couldn't recommend Paihia Dive highly enough - a great team that really know how to deliver a great customer experience
The diving was beautiful, with some fantastic swim-thorughs and even a cave. Marine life was stunning.
Couldn't recommend Paihia Dive highly enough - a great team that really know how to deliver a great customer experience
Written 27 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maddy M
St. Augustine, FL3 contributions
Jan 2020
Did 2 reef dives with these guys and was blown away by the whole experience. Being on a smaller boat was perfect because I wasn't stuck in a large group (like other local companies do) which made the dives so much better. Manuel was an excellent divemaster and made me feel very safe and well looked after. While underwater, I got to see such a diverse array of marine life and stunning rock formations.
I've done a fair amount of diving while traveling in foreign countries and was really impressed by the way these guys operate. They really care about their divers having a great trip while onboard and underwater. The whole crew was awesome and a joy to go diving with. I highly recommend booking a trip with Paihia Dive!
I've done a fair amount of diving while traveling in foreign countries and was really impressed by the way these guys operate. They really care about their divers having a great trip while onboard and underwater. The whole crew was awesome and a joy to go diving with. I highly recommend booking a trip with Paihia Dive!
Written 30 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
peterjT8179SL
Gennep, The Netherlands5 contributions
Aug 2020 • Solo
Thanks to Craig I was able to explore the Bay of Islands underwater on Wednesday. Hopping on board from the wharf in Russell meant a very comfortable start of the day. Apart from myself there were only 6 other divers on the boat. Even with such a small group Craig had arranged for a 2nd guide to be able to split us up in 2 groups during both dives. Underwater you therefor have the sea to yourself. With a visibility over 20m that means a lot to see ! Just check Craig’s photographs. Magnificent. On board everything is provided for, and the crew was very supportive (thanks Toby). Would gladly do this again.
Written 13 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Irina M
1 contribution
Dec 2019 • Friends
It was my first time diving in Paihia. I had a lot of fun and learned a lot. My dive instructors Michael and Manuel were not only super nice but also really helped me out a lot, gave me good advice and made me feel secure. I enjoyed the whole experience and would recommend it to anyone that is interested in diving.
Written 23 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mandeep Singh
Auckland, New Zealand2 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
It was an amazing experience. Paihia dive team was very friendly. They made sure that each diver goes home with a best experience possible.
I recommend these guys if you’re thinking of scuba diving.
I recommend these guys if you’re thinking of scuba diving.
Written 28 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lisamarieauckland
Glenfield, New Zealand253 contributions
Jan 2021
Over the last few years I have completed my Open Water, Advanced Open Water and several dive trips with Paihia Dive. Over this time I’ve met multiple different staff members led by Craig and Lisa and they’ve all been awesome. I can’t recommend Paihia Dive enough. I’ve dived in many places around the world and they are without doubt the most professional crew I’ve ever come across. You’ll feel safe and comfortable with them from start to finish. Just completed my fifth dive on the Canterbury Wreck with them and it won’t be the last. Can’t wait to come back and dive again. Kiwi businesses need our support right now, so
If you’ve been thinking of doing a course or taking a dive trip, make it with these guys!
If you’ve been thinking of doing a course or taking a dive trip, make it with these guys!
Written 30 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas S
Taupo, New Zealand10 contributions
Jan 2023
You can't plan the weather. Due to a tropical cyclone our original dates didn't work to, but Craig and hist team made changing our itinerary real easy. We had two days on the water, one sunny at Deep Cove diving at the Canterbury Wreck and adjacent reef to complete our requirements for the Advanced Open Water Course. The next day we all helped launching the dive boat in torrential rain to see the Rainbow Warrior Wreck, which was also a pretty unique experience in itself. Despite all the moisture in the air, the sea had good visibility and nice temperature, which contributed to a fantastic dive experience at both the wreck and a close reef.
Craig also shared some amazing photos of us at the wreck dive site, all part of the service. The dive plans to complete our course with detailed briefings before and reviews after the dives, worked really well, thanks to our instructors Sheena and Gene.
All up a really great experience for all of us. The only two things, that would have made it even better is sunshine on the second day and better vis on the first :)
Craig also shared some amazing photos of us at the wreck dive site, all part of the service. The dive plans to complete our course with detailed briefings before and reviews after the dives, worked really well, thanks to our instructors Sheena and Gene.
All up a really great experience for all of us. The only two things, that would have made it even better is sunshine on the second day and better vis on the first :)
Written 14 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do you need to be dive certified? Also, are you open in October?
Written 30 July 2020
Hi Tabitha,
You don't need to be certified to dive. We can do a Discover Scuba Dive day trip with you and this is a great first time experience. Or if you have 3 days we can teach you to dive. Yes we are open in October.
Written 31 July 2020
How is the climate in may 1st week for diving?
Written 1 December 2019
The water temp in early May is about 18/19c.
Written 2 December 2019
We are coming in the first week of may 2020. Can we dive this time?
Written 27 November 2019
Hi, yes Paihia Dive is open all year.
Written 2 December 2019
In early December for snorkeling, is the water warm enough for only a bathing suit?
Written 2 October 2019
Hi. The water temp is 16/17c in early December so i would recommend a wetsuit.
Written 4 October 2019
Hi. Is there a tour that does snorkling and diving? My daughter wants to dive and I want to do snorkling. How are the conditions in early December?
Thank you
Written 3 April 2019
Hi,
Yes our day trip in the Bay of Islands is perfect for snorkelling and diving. You can do a wreck and a reef dive, or 2 reef dives. Your daughter can snorkel at 2 different reef sites. December is warming up so is normally great for heading out. This can depend on the weather though.
If you have any questions, please don't hesiate to contact us.
Craig
Written 22 April 2019
Husband & I PADI AOW @ 350 dives each. Coming to NZ March 5-15 looking to dive both Bay of Islands and Poor Knights on 3+ days live aboard can you help us? Thank you
Written 6 November 2017
Hi, We do daily dive trips to the wrecks and reefs of the bay of islands. All our trips are day trips. If you are interested in doing liveaboard dive trips Dive! tutukaka runs a boat from Tutukaka diving the Poor Knights.
They don't come up to our wrecks in the bay of islands though. The canterbury wreck is amazing. 114m long with plenty to see. The Rainbow Warrior has been down for 30 years now so is covered in life. Amazing colours of jewel anemones and sponges all over it. So both wrecks are well worth diving. If you are interested please email us to book in.
Cheers,
Craig
Written 12 November 2017
Good morning. Im due to arrive in Paihia 18th February and would like to dive Sunday and Monday 19th 20th February. BSAC and PADI Advanced Open Water; Club Instructor; Reck Qualified; Cave Qualified; Norton etc. Logged circa 480 dives. Looking for 2 days of diving on the Wrecks and Caves of possible. I will email as well. Best wishes Mike Smith: UK
Written 27 January 2017
Hi Mike,
Thanks for getting ingredients contact. We do a great two day package that gets you a dive on each wreck and two reef dives. It's $449.00 for the 2 days including all gear. Just send us an email an we can book you in.
Cheers,
Craig.
Written 29 January 2017
Hi there! I'm looking to do a snorkelling trip for two people to Poor nights island on December 26th. I'm staying in paihia and don't have access to a car unfortunately so would need a trip that
leaves around 12 or so. is there half day snorkelling trip available? Many thanks, Ed.
Written 23 December 2016
Hi Ed,
We dive and snorkel the Bay of islands. You need to get to Tutukaka for the Poor Knights.
Cheers,
Craig
Written 2 January 2017
Hi Craig,
Me and my wife will be arriving Paihia on 29th Dec around 11 am,we would like to go for a dive,Also we would like to cover Cape Reinga and Hole in the Rock Cruise.
We are returning back to auckland on 31st dec around 11 am.
Can you please help in scheduling the dive and other activites. Also suggest us some other activities which are must do.
Written 20 December 2016
Hi Gaurav,
Thanks for contacting us. We have trips every day at this time of year. On the 30th we have a trip to dive the Rainbow Warrior wreck and reef, or you could go to the wreck of the Canterbury and then a reef dive. If you don't wish to wreck dive we can also do 2 reef dives.
It all depends on your certification level, number of dives and when you last dived? Our trips run from 8:00am and return at about 4:00pm.
Depending on the weather we sometimes get out to the Hole in the Rock, but the diving is our real focus of the day. We do do a tour through the Bay of Islands so you get to see most of it, if you book the Canterbury/Bay of islands trip. Otherwise you get to experience the Cavalli islands!
With the time frame you have you are going to have to make some choices. You won't be able to dive and do the Cape Reinga trip as these are both full day trips. You will be able to get on a Hole in the Rock cruise on the afternoon of the 29th, I think the tours from Great Sites and Explore depart at about 1:00pm.
If you would like to book please email us with your dive details.
Kind regards,
Craig
Written 22 December 2016
Hi Craig
Have a young couple who have never done diving before coming to Paihia in March. They will be there for 2 nights and would like to do a Beginners dive with you ....is that possible . How much time should they allocate to this ?
Written 24 December 2015
Hi Vani,
Sorry for the delay in answering, I had missed this one!
Our dive trips run every day, they start at 8:00am and return at 3:30pm. Ideally the best trip to do this on would be the Bay of Islands trip out to Deep Water Cove. If you would like to email me the dates, and I can let you know the best day for them to dive.
Cheers,
Craig
Written 13 January 2016
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