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BIG BAY

Discover the stunning dive site in Hahei, New Zealand - a captivating bay with abundant diving spots scattered throughout its entirety. Venture further towards the middle for deeper dives, while the western edge unveils picturesque patches of white sand. Immerse yourself in the vast kelpie forest, an ideal location to encounter an array of marine life, including butterfish, John Dory, and kingies. It is not uncommon for spearfishing enthusiasts to encounter resident bronzies.

For the explorers seeking unique underwater experiences, don't miss the hidden cave nestled in the northwestern corner of the bay. Accessible only by snorkeling, this cave boasts a shallow and narrow entrance, eventually leading to a magnificent cavern with a breathtaking opening at the top.

With a visibility of 7m and a maximum depth of 12m, this dive site caters to both beginner and advanced divers. Whether you are just starting your diving journey or a seasoned pro, this location promises unforgettable underwater adventures.

Plan your dive excursion to this remarkable destination at 165 Orchard Road, Hahei, Thames-Coromandel District, Waikato, 3591, New Zealand.

Diving Conditions Score for BIG BAY

6.1
Above Average

Decent conditions, proceed with caution.
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.

Dive Site Overview for BIG BAY

Depth

12m

Visibility

7m

Experience Level

beginner
advanced

Weather Conditions for BIG BAY

Wave Height

0.3m

Wind Speed

3.6 m/s

Water Temp

17.2°C

Visibility

7.76km

Cloud Cover

0%

Wave Period

8.75s

Air Temperature

16.1°C

Precipitation

0 mm

Detailed 7-Day Diving Forecast for BIG BAY
Alpha

Dive Score Chart for BIG BAY

Best time to dive: 6:00 with score 8.588571454880293/10. Water conditions: Waves 0.26m, Wind 3.1 m/s.Best night dive time: 5:00 with score 7.934907407407406/10.

Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.

Sunrise at BIG BAY: 06:00
Sunset at BIG BAY: 18:00

Optimal diving conditions at BIG BAY are affected by daylight hours. Sunrise occurs at 06:00 and sunset at 18:00, which impacts visibility and water temperature for scuba diving and snorkeling.

🌞
Best Overall
6:00

Score: 8.6/10
Waves: 0.26m (9.05s), Wind: 3.1 m/s

🌙
Best Night
5:00

Score: 7.9/10
Waves: 0.26m, Wind: 4.5 m/s

Seasonal Analysis for BIG BAY
Alpha

Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at BIG BAY

The dive score combines all factors to rate overall diving conditions throughout the year. Higher scores indicate better diving conditions.

Monthly Dive Score Analysis - Seasonal Diving Conditions

Higher values indicate better diving conditions

Seasonal DiveScore Chart

This chart displays monthly diveScore data throughout the year, showing seasonal patterns. The data is presented as a bar chart with an overlaid line graph.Dive scores range from 1 to 10, with 10 being optimal conditions.

Higher values indicate better diving conditions

Best Season for BIG BAY

Summer

Avg. Score: 7.9/10

Summer offers the warmest water temperatures and generally favorable conditions for all levels of divers.

Best Months for BIG BAY

July
Score: 7.9
August
Score: 7.9
June
Score: 7.8

Ideal Conditions for BIG BAY

Water Temp

Thermometer Emoji

17.6°C / 63.7°F

February

Visibility

Telescope Emoji

14.4m / 47.2ft

January

Wave Height

Wave Emoji

1.1m / 3.6ft

January

Wave Period

Wave Emoji

8.0s

January

Seasonal Insights for BIG BAY

BIG BAY follows southern hemisphere patterns with February being the warmest month (17.6°C) and September the coldest (11.2°C). The calmest conditions typically occur in January with average wave heights of 1.1m and wave periods of 8.0s. The most comfortable wave conditions are in January with a low wave steepness ratio, creating gentler swells. January offers the longest wave periods (8.0s), creating more comfortable and predictable conditions for boat entries and exits. Ocean currents are slowest in January (0.5m/s) and strongest in January (0.5m/s). January is usually the driest month with 0.1mm of precipitation. For beginners, the best time to visit would be during January to March, when ocean conditions are calmer with long-period waves and currents are typically weaker. Experienced divers might enjoy the challenges and potentially better visibility during the shoulder seasons, with moderate currents that can improve marine life encounters.

Scoring Legend:
9-10 (Excellent)
7-8 (Good)
5-6 (Average)
3-4 (Poor)
1-2 (Dangerous)

Last updated: 1 min. ago - Jun 14, 2026

Note: This dive site is not a verified dive site. Please dive with caution. This dive site might have incorrect information by the community.

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