Diving the Mercury Islands

This article is intended to provide the already qualified Scuba diver with information which will help to plan dives in the waters of the Mercury Islands, off the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula of the North Island of New Zealand, whether as a local resident or a visitor. Information is provided without prejudice, and is not guaranteed accurate or complete. Use it at your own risk.

Location of the Mercury Islands

Map showing the position and dive sites at the Mercury Islands, New Zealand

Understand

Climate, weather and sea conditions

Weather forecasts for marine weather area Colville are broadcast on VHF. The nearest weather station is on Great Mercury Island.

Respect

• No fishing, collecting or disturbing of marine life is permitted in the reserve. This includes feeding of fish.
• It is an offense to litter or discharge untreated sewage in the reserve.
• Anchoring should be done with due consideration for potential damage to the benthic ecology.
• Divers should ensure that their equipment is secured so that items do not dangle and impact on the reefs.
• Divers should control their buoyancy and maneuver with care to avoid kicking and otherwise coming into unnecessary contact with the reefs, particularly in confined spaces.

Get help

Emergency services

• . Police. 
• . Ambulance service 
• . Sea rescue 
• . Recompression chamber 
• . DAN hotline 

Get service