BLACK JACK REEF
Black Jack Reef, located between Kuaotunu and Otama Beach, is a 2km expanse of underwater paradise in New Zealand. Although easily accessible, this dive site has recently been taken over by kina (sea urchins), resulting in a sparser sea floor. However, these kina-infested waters still boast an abundance of fish, making it an excellent attraction for nudibranch enthusiasts and those seeking out other macro species. Additionally, the presence of strong currents adds to the allure of Black Jack Reef, making it an ideal location for kahawai enthusiasts. With a maximum depth of 5m and a visibility of 2m, this site welcomes divers of all levels, from beginners to advanced. If you're looking for an underwater adventure in the breathtaking waters of New Zealand, Black Jack Reef is the place to be.
Diving Conditions Score for BLACK JACK REEF
4.6
Below AverageChallenging conditions, for experienced divers only.
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.
Dive Site Overview for BLACK JACK REEF
Depth
5m
Visibility
2m
Experience Level
beginner
advanced
Weather Conditions for BLACK JACK REEF
Wave Height
0.86m
Wind Speed
21.7 m/s
Water Temp
16.7°C
Visibility
11.66km
Cloud Cover
1%
Wave Period
5s
Air Temperature
14.2°C
Precipitation
0 mm
Detailed 7-Day Diving Forecast for BLACK JACK REEF
Alpha
Dive Score Chart for BLACK JACK REEF
Best time to dive: 6:00 with score 7.330836134453782/10. Water conditions: Waves 0.44m, Wind 5.2 m/s.Best night dive time: 0:00 with score 6.843978048780488/10.
Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.
Sunrise at BLACK JACK REEF: 06:00
Sunset at BLACK JACK REEF: 18:00
Optimal diving conditions at BLACK JACK REEF 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
6:00Score: 7.3/10
Waves: 0.44m (5.95s), Wind: 5.2 m/s
Best Night
0:00Score: 6.8/10
Waves: 0.3m, Wind: 13.9 m/s
Seasonal Analysis for BLACK JACK REEFAlpha
Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at BLACK JACK REEF
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 BLACK JACK REEF
Summer
Avg. Score: 7.9/10
Summer offers the warmest water temperatures and generally favorable conditions for all levels of divers.
Best Months for BLACK JACK REEF
July
Score: 8.0
June
Score: 7.8
August
Score: 7.8
Ideal Conditions for BLACK JACK REEF
Water Temp
17.8°C / 64.0°F
February
Visibility
12.3m / 40.4ft
January
Wave Height
1.6m / 5.2ft
January
Wave Period
8.0s
January
Seasonal Insights for BLACK JACK REEF
BLACK JACK REEF follows southern hemisphere patterns with February being the warmest month (17.8°C) and September the coldest (11.6°C). The calmest conditions typically occur in January with average wave heights of 1.6m 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.
Last updated: 1 min. ago - Jun 22, 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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