Barren Arch

Located on the seaward side of the islands near the northern end of Tawhiti Rahi, this dive site in Northland, New Zealand offers a diverse and exciting underwater experience. With a maximum depth of 26m and visibility reaching 14m, divers of all levels, from beginners to experts, can explore this site.

One of the main attractions at this dive site is the arch, which can be accessed from either the shallower entrance near the enclosed back or the deeper entrance towards the open end of the bay. Snorkelers can drop down into the arch or swim in from the bay side, where a shallow underwater reef lip at 2/3m separates the arch from the bay. This natural formation provides shelter for a variety of schooling fish, including blue and pink Maomao, Demoiselles, Koheru, and Mado.

As divers explore the arch, they will be amazed by the walls adorned with an abundance of marine life. Sponges, bryozoans, hydroids, and corals create a vibrant ecosystem, attracting fascinating creatures like crabs, eels, shrimps, and nudis. The endemic Jason Mirabilis Nudi is a special sight here.

After traversing the arch, divers can choose to follow the wall on their right shoulder back into the bay or venture further into deeper waters. Tech divers have the option to continue straight ahead. Along the entrance to the bay, large kelp-covered boulders welcome divers. The bay gently slopes up, revealing beautiful patches of pebble meadows covered in sea lettuce during the season. Triple fins, blennys, and even Octopus can be found in these patches, while stingrays rest in the open crack towards the back left corner. Maomao can often be seen using the smooth boulders as rubbing stones for cleaning parasites off themselves.

For safety stops, divers can utilize a ledge at the 5m mark. The bay provides excellent shelter and serves as a gathering point for salps, jellies, and occasional visits from seal pups during their season.

Exploring this dive site near Tawhiti Rahi in Northland, New Zealand is a must for any diver seeking a thrilling and diverse underwater adventure.