Snorkel and learn on Waiheke
If you have never snorkelled, or are still a beginner, Waiheke
Dive and Snorkel’s Discover Snorkelling Experience is an easy and fun way to gain confidence in an activity that reveals what is hidden beneath the surface.
The session starts in the shop with a friendly greeting, instructions, issuing of highquality kit, then it continues on a quiet beach a few minutes’ drive away.
Briefed on what to look out for, and pairedwith a buddy, the eight of you follow the guide into the water for a gentle glide around the bay, during which time flies.
WHY GO?
Because, although Waiheke is no Great Barrier Reef, you will still be delighted by what you see. This can include snapper, parore, goatfish, pipefish, stingrays, and eagle rays, octopus, seahorses, starfish, crabs, kina – all going about their business around the rocks and among the kelp swirling in the current.
As part of the Waiheke Marine Project, Waiheke Dive runs free kelp gardening sessions, in which snorkellers remove the kina that destroy the seaweeds.
After your experience snooping on the creatures that live among it, you will likely be inspired, and skilled enough, to want to help.
INSIDER TIP
Wear the wetsuit. No matter how warm the water feels, you are in there for at least an hour.
ON THEWAY/NEARBY
There is a lot to do on Waiheke, whatever your preferences. The island’s wineries, fine-dining and food trucks, craft beer and beaches are well known. You can also go kayaking, ziplining and bushwalking, and ride a horse, ebike, scooter or Segway, but you don’t have to be that active.
As well as quirky shops, there are art galleries in Oneroa near Waiheke Dive’s base, and more scattered around the island with all sorts of creations. Go to Whittakers Musical Museum to see, and possibly play, a wide range of instruments, including real rarities.
There is a cute little museum on the road to Onetangi’s splendid long, sandy beach, near Wild On Waiheke, where you can try archery and claybird shooting. Have a helicopter ride over the island and gulf, or take a little plane.
Head to the ‘‘bottom end’’ to go through the Stony Batter tunnels and see the gun emplacement.
HOWMUCH?
The 2-3-hour Discover Snorkelling Experience is $75, which includes transport from Oneroa, equipment and guide. The company offers other experiences, including a daylong Wine to Water tour, Padi courses and scuba trips.
BEST TIME TO GO
Pick a calm, fine day. The experience is weather dependent. If the trip can’t go ahead, choose a refund or an alternative date. Get to Waiheke on the 40-minute Fullers ferry from the city, and hire your own transport, take a bus or taxi, or a tour. Visit waihekedive.com.
Staying safe:
New Zealand is under Covid-19 restrictions. Face coverings are mandatory on all flights and public transport. Proof of vaccinationmay be required in some venues. Follow the instructions at covid19.govt.nz.