Unlike New Zealand fur seals. New Zealand Sealions are found only in the South Island, usually from Dunedin South. There are high numbers in Dunedin and Stewart Island, however good diving conditions in Dunedin can be rare. Stewart Island offers the perfect conditions and Sealion numbers to free dive and snorkel with Sealions, if you get lucky. We do not seek out the Sealions, but there is a chance that one might visit us during one of our tours. 

New Zealand Sealions

Macrocystis pyrifera is commonly know as bladder kelp. With each strand 

 long, it grows in thick clusters, sometimes spanning 

kilometres. These areas are the kelp forests which provide some of the best snorkelling and diving in New Zealand. 

Macrocystis kelp forests grow mainly in the South Island. The further South you dive, the thicker and more prolific they become. Because of the exposed nature of the East and West Coast, opertunities to dive 

 forests with good conditions can be rare. However in the protected inlets and bays of Stewart Island's East Coast, conditions can be consistent and the water is clear. 

In the kelp forests of Patterson Inlet grow 269 species of native seaweed. So under and amongst the kelp lies a magical kelp garden, bustling with busy life. Many species of small fish dip in and out of the kelp and rocks, while larger Moki, Cod and Greenbone cruise cautiously through the kelp. In the rocks lie Kina, Paua, Crayfish and Octopus. Occasionally a curious sealion will come to investigate before it cruises onwards. 

The marine reserves of Ulva Island provide the best snorkelling and freediving opportunities. Packed with life, they are mysterious and wonderful places to visit. Truly amongst the best snorkelling experiences in New Zealand, Stewart Island provides an unforgettable adventure for all ranges of experience and skill. 

The Kelp Forests

Octopus are infamous and mysterious creatures, but they're also stealthy and elusive. Lurking in the bouldery shallows, and hunting through the thick kelp, they are a veracious predator. Among their pray are paua, crayfish, reef fish and even other octopus. 

The curious nature of the Octopus, allows a diver or snorkeler to have amazing interactions with them. For example it is not uncommon for them to reach up and try and shake your hand. Or to stare at you defiantly as they suffocate the Paua they are about to eat. 

Stewart Island is among the best places to dive and snorkel with an Octopus in New Zealand.... you just have to get lucky. They are hunted heavily by the local sealions, so they can be timid and hide at the site of large humans in the water. Once an octopus hides, you won't have much luck finding it in the thick kelp forest. 

Octopus of the South Island

The seafood of Stewart Island is delicious, remote and plentiful. 

The remote location of Stewart Island, at the bottom of the South Island means that the seafood resource is well protected and well looked after. 

Stewart Island offers some of the best seafood diving opportunities In New Zealand and the South Island. There are plentiful stocks of Paua, Kina, Blue Cod, Butterfish Crayfish and many other delicacies.

Spearfishing is very effective form of fishing in Stewart Island. Spearfishing can be one of the most sustainable ways to harvest fish from the waters of New Zealand  

We are now offering Kai dives along the remote coastlines of Rakiura. During these dives we provide wetsuits and equipment to free dive and snorkel for many different types of seafood. 

You can experience hunter gathering in the ocean and have the satisfaction of taking home seafood that you have harvested. 

This charter activity is focussed around sustainable harvest and education around our seafood and marine life. 

Diving for Seafood in Rakiura

Diving and Snorkelling in Rakiura, Stewart Island 

There are many things to consider when deciding the best snorkel and free dive experience. The marine life, the visibility, the diversity, and the consistency. On Stewart Island we have it all. The healthy and vibrant kelp forests are teaming with life and the visibility is the most consistent that I have experienced in the South Island. Every day the visibility is between 5-15m, perfect for exploring the Kelp Forest.

There are hundreds of species of marine life for us to see, including a diversity of seaweed and fish species. We can also see octopus, sea lions and seahorses, amongst many other marine creatures. 

The east facing location of our diving protects us from the prevailing wind, and we can always tuck away in a sheltered diving location.

Stewart Island diving and snorkelling is among the best water activities in the South Island and the whole of New Zealand. 

The Best Snorkelling in the South Island

We offer guided snorkeling and freediving tours through the coastal kelp forests of Rakiura, Stewart Island. We offer a variety of water activities including a snorkelling tour, a sealion diving tour and a seafood harvesting tour. 

Blog

New Zealand Sealions

The Kelp Forests

Octopus of the South Island

Diving for Seafood in Rakiura

The Best Snorkelling in the South Island