Matapaua Bay

Sandy Bay, located in the middle with shallow reefs on either side, is the ideal dive site for beginner divers or those with Open Water 1 and 2 certifications. However, it's important to note that during summer, the bay can experience heavy boat traffic, requiring divers to exercise caution. The worst wind and swell for the bay is from the southeast (SE) direction.

With a rocky reef adorned with standard New Zealand kelp, Sandy Bay offers great opportunities for interacting with various marine species. It is worth noting that visibility can be affected by rainfall, resulting in potentially siltier conditions.

In terms of diving details, the maximum depth at this site reaches 11 meters, and the underwater visibility is usually around 7 meters. As for the location, Sandy Bay is situated at 277 Matapaua Bay Road, in the Thames-Coromandel District, Waikato, New Zealand.