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
Travelers' Choice
2023
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(169 reviews)
(52 reviews)
(14 reviews)
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
525 reviews
Excellent
481
Very good
35
Average
5
Poor
4
Terrible
0
Adam S
3 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
Great dive team/staff. Very knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile for you. Beautiful places to dive. Highly recommend!
Written March 7, 2024
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.
Martin K
2 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
Excellent, professional dive operation.
Friendly, and efficient.
Relaxed,safe, fun diving.
Perfect dive group,for paihia and surrounding area.
Thanks for a great time.
All the best Martin and Gill..(UK)
Friendly, and efficient.
Relaxed,safe, fun diving.
Perfect dive group,for paihia and surrounding area.
Thanks for a great time.
All the best Martin and Gill..(UK)
Written February 28, 2024
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.
LesleyandGraeme
5 contributions
Feb 2024 • Solo
These guys were amazing, I got picked up from my cruise ship and did 2 fantastic dives 1 on the Canterbury and a reef dive with loads of life.
I will definitely use them again.
I will definitely use them again.
Written February 23, 2024
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.
Georgia T
London, UK47 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
Had the most fantastic and wonderful time diving with the Paihia Dive team. My friend and I had done the Poor Knights not too long before with a different company and left feeling a little disappointed that it wasn't all it had cracked up to be but both the Rainbow warrior and Cantebury wreck (plus the 2nd shallower reef dives on each respective day) where such wonderful sites and the whole experience made even better by the team being professional, endlessly funny and great company.
Would 100% recommend dive Paihia over any other company to anyone thinking of diving around NZ.
Especially if Craig and Kat are involved, absolute pair of legends.
Would 100% recommend dive Paihia over any other company to anyone thinking of diving around NZ.
Especially if Craig and Kat are involved, absolute pair of legends.
Written February 8, 2024
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.
l0ve2travel93
London, UK230 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Great snorkelling trip! My partner dives, but I don’t so this was a great option for him to dive and me to snorkel.
We got to the shop for 7.45am, had set off by 8.30am after getting our gear. Went to two different spots and were lucky enough to see some dolphins on the way and we’re back by 2pm so still had some time for other activities.
The crew were all lovely!
We got to the shop for 7.45am, had set off by 8.30am after getting our gear. Went to two different spots and were lucky enough to see some dolphins on the way and we’re back by 2pm so still had some time for other activities.
The crew were all lovely!
Written February 6, 2024
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.
Wendy S
Auckland Central, New Zealand72 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
I dive with this shop every year, and love them! Craig and his team are awesome, everything is so well organised, and as a solo diver, I always feel safe with them. They buddy you up with people of similar skills, so no one gets left out. The dive boat is great, plenty of room for everyone. And if you dive The Rainbow Warrior, getting in and out of the Aka Maru is part of the experience!
Can’t speak highly enough of this dive shop, thanks to Craig, Rob, Sophia, Toby, Byron and Clay.
Can’t speak highly enough of this dive shop, thanks to Craig, Rob, Sophia, Toby, Byron and Clay.
Written January 29, 2024
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.
TeM
Munich, Germany3 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
We were driving the Canterbury wreck and a close by reef dive with Dive Paihia, and both were incredibly beautiful dives. The Canterbury is well preserved, with big openings made to fit divers, so you can dive in and out of different rooms without hustle. Most beautiful, I find, are the colorful anemones growing on the wreck. Amazing!
But also the second dive was incredible; so much friendly (they come up really close!) fish, swaying kelp, nudis.. so much to see!
And everything else was great as well: personnel, equipment, boat, planning, briefings, info given on animals, guides always in a good mood. I had a great time! Would always recommend this company to anyone wanting to dive in Paihia! Thank you guys!
But also the second dive was incredible; so much friendly (they come up really close!) fish, swaying kelp, nudis.. so much to see!
And everything else was great as well: personnel, equipment, boat, planning, briefings, info given on animals, guides always in a good mood. I had a great time! Would always recommend this company to anyone wanting to dive in Paihia! Thank you guys!
Written January 23, 2024
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.
Boyce R
Kansas City, MO12 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
After plotting out my itinerary in New Zealand, the very next thing I did was start researching dive shops in Paihia for my ventures out to the HMNZS Canterbury and the Rainbow Warrior. When I settled on Paihia Dive, my initial interactions with Craig were incredibly helpful as he guided me through the process and his suggestions for my dive plan while in country. He was also kind enough to provide a rental discount for the array of gear I brought with me. In addition, when I was in New Zealand, I lost a dive light due to a loose manufacturer's knot, and Hamish was kind enough to start a successful search pattern to reacquire. Indeed, from Craig to Hamish to Kat, each of the dive masters at Paihia Dive were absolutely exceptional. The wreck dives were well planned and incredibly beautiful. Be sure to get Craig to bring his camera! Should I ever return to New Zealand, Paihia Dive will be at the top of my list.
Written January 21, 2024
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.
NorthStar42748054758
1 contribution
Jan 2024 • Solo
Amazing team who ensured all different levels of divers were given the best available dive adventures , very knowledgable got some great pictures of Rainbow Warrior but unfortunately not with HMS Canterbury , Cest le vive delicately recommend for anyone wishing to dive in bay of islands
Written January 18, 2024
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.
Brian W
Romsey, UK124 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Craig and his team were excellent at managing a variety of levels of scuba comfort/skill of their customers.
You get to see some pretty spectacular stuff and Craig and team know a lot about marine.
They make it a great fun and informed adventure.
Highly recommend
You get to see some pretty spectacular stuff and Craig and team know a lot about marine.
They make it a great fun and informed adventure.
Highly recommend
Written January 8, 2024
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.
Tabitha M
15 contributions
Do you need to be dive certified? Also, are you open in October?
Craig Johnston
Russell, New Zealand22 contributions
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.
Arun S
Tiruchirappalli, India4 contributions
How is the climate in may 1st week for diving?
Craig Johnston
Russell, New Zealand22 contributions
The water temp in early May is about 18/19c.
Arun S
Tiruchirappalli, India4 contributions
We are coming in the first week of may 2020. Can we dive this time?
Craig Johnston
Russell, New Zealand22 contributions
Hi, yes Paihia Dive is open all year.
headyfamily
claremont5 contributions
In early December for snorkeling, is the water warm enough for only a bathing suit?
Craig Johnston
Russell, New Zealand22 contributions
Hi. The water temp is 16/17c in early December so i would recommend a wetsuit.
headyfamily
claremont5 contributions
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
Craig Johnston
Russell, New Zealand22 contributions
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
GrandmaHog
Arlington, Texas, Usa3 contributions
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
Craig Johnston
Russell, New Zealand22 contributions
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
Michaelmith
Chelmsford, UK244 contributions
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
Craig Johnston
Russell, New Zealand22 contributions
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.
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.
Craig Johnston
Russell, New Zealand22 contributions
Hi Ed,
We dive and snorkel the Bay of islands. You need to get to Tutukaka for the Poor Knights.
Cheers,
Craig
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.
Craig Johnston
Russell, New Zealand22 contributions
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
Vani_Subhas
1 contribution
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 ?
Craig Johnston
Russell, New Zealand22 contributions
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