About this tour
When Jake from our team booked this full-day scuba charter to Hen Island, he was after proper depth and marine life — and that's exactly what he got. This is a two-tank dive to dramatic underwater walls and boulder fields off the New Zealand coast, kitted out with hired gear and a boat ride to the site. The islands are spawning grounds for kingfish, trevally, and moray eels, with kelp-covered rocks harbouring goatfish and red moki. It's not a tourist mill — maximum eight divers per trip — but it does require open water certification and a clean bill of health before you enter the water.
Highlights
- Two tank dives to walls dropping into boulder fields and cracks
- Kingfish sightings in summer months as you descend
- Kelp-covered boulders with goatfish, red moki, demoiselles
- Hidden crayfish and large yellow moray eels in reef crevices
- Small group cap of eight divers keeps it intimate
- All scuba gear, tanks, and weights included in the booking
- Blue mao mao and sweep schooling around breeding grounds
What to expect
Jake's day started early with a boat ride out to Hen Island, gear already sorted by the charter team. The underwater topography here isn't gentle slopes — you're descending dramatic walls that shelf down to boulders and flat sand, with plenty of cracks and crevices to explore. Summer brought kingfish, but even in cooler months the mao mao and trevally are reliable. The kelp beds are dense and the visibility depends on conditions, so don't expect Caribbean clarity.
Pacing is relaxed between dives but physically demanding when you're underwater. Two full tanks means two solid sessions, not quick dips. The boat crew handles the logistics; your job is to be comfortable at depth and confident reading the site. Jake noted the group size staying small meant less jostling for viewing spots, though surge around the walls can be choppy on rougher days.
What travellers say
- Two full tank dives, not a quick taste
- All scuba gear included — no rental markup elsewhere
- Small eight-diver cap keeps the site feeling less commercialised
- Dramatic underwater topography with genuine marine life
- Kingfish in summer months add a seasonal thrill
- Kelp beds and crevices harbouring eels and hidden crustaceans
- Open water cert minimum — no beginners or refreshers allowed
- Strict medical screening may disqualify some divers
- No onboard food or drink — bring your own supplies
- Weather and surge can make descents rough and visibility variable
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This is proper diving for certified divers who want marine life and structure without crowds. Two tanks, full gear hire, and a skipper who knows the site's hotspots (where the eels and crayfish hide) make it value-solid. Small groups mean guides actually watch divers rather than counting heads. Summer kingfish season is a genuine drawcard.
You need open water cert minimum — no exceptions. The medical declaration is strict: pregnancy, spinal injuries, cardiovascular issues, and poor fitness are barriers. You'll complete a health questionnaire day-of and might need a dive doctor's sign-off. Don't fly within 48 hours either side. Bring your own food and drinks — the boat doesn't provide catering. Transport to the dive centre is on you. Weather can affect conditions and surge; rough seas mean choppy descents. Maximum eight people per booking, so peak season books fast.
Included: gear hire, tanks, weights, boat. Not included: transport to centre, food/drinks. Allow a full day. You'll need certification proof. Moderate fitness is essential.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.