The quiet town of Warkworth serves up two outstanding underwater adventures along New Zealand’s coast. Both tours pack serious value: Hen and Chicken Islands delivers a kaleidoscope of marine life – from playful schools of goatfish to curious moray eels, while Little Barrier Island offers chances to swim near orcas and glide past magnificent kelp forests.
I’m especially fond of the Little Barrier route for its wildlife encounters and those incredible rocky reefs where stingrays and eagle rays gather. Equipment and expert guidance come standard with both options.
Let’s explore these remarkable tours in detail.
Good To Know
- Scuba diving charters near Warkworth offer exploration of the Hen and Chicken Islands, featuring diverse marine life and depths up to 50 meters.
- Experienced divers can venture to Sail Rock for deeper dives, while less experienced divers can opt for guided dives.
- Scuba diving around Little Barrier Island provides opportunities to encounter orcas, dolphins, whales, and sharks, along with a variety of other marine species.
- Scuba dive charters in the Warkworth area typically include rental equipment, tanks, weights, and detailed dive briefings.
- Flexible booking policies and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance make these scuba diving experiences readily accessible.
Warkworth: Full-Day Scuba Dive Charter at Hen and Chickens
Adventurers seeking an exhilarating scuba diving experience can embark on a full-day charter around the Hen and Chicken Islands near Warkworth. The charter will take divers to the best spots in the area, where they’ll observe a vibrant array of marine life, including goatfish, red moki, demoiselles, moray eels, and crayfish.
Divers can explore caves and overhangs, with general depths reaching up to 25 meters. For experienced divers, a deeper dive of up to 50 meters at Sail Rock is also available.
The charter includes two tank dives, scuba rental equipment, tanks and weights, as well as detailed dive briefings. Divers will travel to the islands by boat, allowing them to admire the scenic Hauraki Gulf during the journey. While food and drinks aren’t included, the charter provides a hassle-free way to explore the region’s underwater wonders.
With a flexible booking policy and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this scuba diving experience is an ideal choice for adventurous travelers.
Read our full review: Warkworth: Full-Day Scuba Dive Charter at Hen and Chickens Review
Book now: Check availability
Little Barrier Island: Full-Day Scuba Dive Charter
For those seeking an unparalleled scuba diving adventure, the full-day charter to Little Barrier Island promises an unforgettable underwater experience. Explore the rocky reefs, kelp forests, walls, and pinnacles teeming with diverse marine life. With the chance to encounter orcas, dolphins, whales, and sharks, this dive is sure to leave a lasting impression.
The dive package includes two tank dives from the boat, along with scuba rental equipment, tanks, and weights. Experienced divers with a minimum of 10 dives can book directly, while those new to the sport will benefit from the guidance of a dive guide. Detailed dive briefings ensure a safe and informative experience.
Depending on the dive conditions, adventurers may spot crayfish, red moki, painted moki, eagle rays, stingrays, leatherjackets, and wrasse, as well as swarms of demoiselle and blue maomao. Priced from $177.37 per person, this full-day charter is a must-do for anyone passionate about scuba diving in Warkworth.
Read our full review: Little Barrier Island: Full-Day Scuba Dive Charter Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Warkworth and the nearby Little Barrier Island offer exceptional scuba diving experiences. Divers can explore vibrant marine life and stunning underwater landscapes on full-day charter trips. Whether it’s the Hen and Chickens or Little Barrier Island, these destinations promise unforgettable dives in New Zealand’s beautiful northeast region.