Shallow shore dive (max depth 8m) with strong 12knot rip tides through the bay, so only safe to dive from 30 minutes before to 30 minutes after high and low tides. Easy entry from the sandy beach, near rocks exposed at low tide. Lots of marine life in just the first few metres. Out in the deeper channel there are clumps of colourful sponges. Sea Temp 21c (Jan 2008) For photos website Marine life observed: Nudibranchs (Black Dendrodoris, Clown, Gem, Variable & Willan's Cadlina), Triplefins (Common, Estuarine, Mottled, Robust, Variable & Yaldwyn's), Flatworms, Starfish, Hermit Crabs, Crested Blenny, Shrimp, Seahorse & Octopus

Facts about Sponge Gardens, Rangiputa Bay, near Whatuwhiwhi It is in New Zealand Sponge Gardens, Rangiputa Bay, near Whatuwhiwhi is in the Pacific. The typical depth is 0-10 Metres 0-30 Feet. The typical visibility is 3-10 Metres 10-30 Feet.

Dive types Marine Life Photo facilities

Images taken on this dive site

by Brian Mayes
Close up of Variable Triplefin (Forsterygion varium)<><><><>Canon G9, Inon UCL-165, Poor Knights

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by Brian Mayes
Colourful crab hiding under coral.<><><>Canon G9, Inon UCL-165, Rangiputa Bay, NZ

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by Brian Mayes
Clown Nudibranch (Ceratosoma amoena)<><><><>Canon G9, Inon UCL-165, Rangiputa Bay

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by Brian Mayes
Sea Horse (Hippocampus abdominalis)<><><><>Canon G9, Inon UCL-165

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by Brian Mayes
Glass Shrimp (Palaemon affinis) in shallow water of Rangiputa Bay.<><><><>Canon G9, Inon UCL-165 macro lens

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by Brian Mayes
A shy and well camouflaged Sea Horse (Hippocampus abdominalis) hiding in some shallow weeds. <><><><>Canon G9

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by Brian Mayes
Variable Nudibranch (Apheldoris luctuosa) or is it a vampire nudi with fangs? <><><><>Canon G9, Inon UCL-165 macro lens

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by Brian Mayes
A Variable Triplefin (Forsterygion varium) resting on a bed of orange sponge. <><><><>Canon G9, Inon UCL-165 macro lens

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