Diving in Fiordland is a unique experience due to the tea coloured (tanin stained) freshwater layer that permanently sits on the surface of the fiords reducing light penetration. Below this is the calm clear salt water where many organisms usually beyond diveable depths can be seen.

This is New Zealand’s smallest marine reserve. Sandwiched between Bauza and Secretary Islands, the reserve is much shallower than the surrounding deep-water basin habitats, which are the deepest in Fiordland, reaching depths of about 420 metres. This site has significant rock wall and deep reef habitats.

For more information on Fiordland's marine reserves visit www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-protected-areas/…

Aquatic Life:

This reserve is known for its sea pens and other suspension feeders, including the red and black corals, zoanthids and lampshells (brachiopods, ancient bivalves).

Warnings:

This site has a high tidal flow relative to other sites in the region so it can be worth checking the tides before you go.

As water clarity in the fiords can extend visibility to great distances it is important to monitor depth gauges frequently to avoid exceeding planned depth.

Allow a rest day before journeying across mountains by road or flying out of the fiords, to reduce the risk of decompression after multi-day repetitive dives.

The weather in Fiordland changes very rapidly, so ensure that you have adequate warm and waterproof gear and appropriate safety equipment on your boat.

Always be aware of yourself and your gear when diving in Fiordland as many slow growing fragile organisms that grow on the walls may be destroyed with a single swipe of a careless diver's fin.

For more information about diver safety and protecting the fragile animals in the Fiordland Marine Area visit: www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-protected-areas/…

Directions:

Fiordland is in the far southwestern corner of the South Island and much of the region is inaccessible by road. The township of Te Anau is considered the gateway to the park. State Highway 94 to Te Anau branches off the main Invercargill to Queenstown Road. There are regular bus services to Te Anau and Milford Sound, the only sound accessable by road. Boats may be launched from the head of Milford Sound or many larger boats come up from Bluff, especially when diving the southern sounds.