Octopus of the South Island

Wed, Sep 11, 2024

Diving with Octopus in New Zealand

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.