PANCAKE ROCKS - MIDDLE ISLAND
The Pancake Rocks, located on the eastern side of Middle Island in New Zealand, offer a remarkable dive experience. This exposed dive site features impressive cracks, gullies, and even an arch that divers can swim through. The visibility is typically excellent, reaching up to 11m, making it ideal for underwater photography enthusiasts using GoPro or other cameras. The rocky reef is adorned with standard sealife and kelp, creating a fantastic habitat for all water hunters. With a maximum depth of 11m, this dive site is suitable for both beginner and advanced divers. Whether you are a novice or an experienced diver, exploring the Pancake Rocks promises an unforgettable adventure in the waters of New Zealand.
Diving Conditions Score for PANCAKE ROCKS - MIDDLE ISLAND
5
AverageAverage conditions, be alert.
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.
Dive Site Overview for PANCAKE ROCKS - MIDDLE ISLAND
Depth
11m
Visibility
11m
Experience Level
beginner
advanced
Weather Conditions for PANCAKE ROCKS - MIDDLE ISLAND
Wave Height
0.72m
Wind Speed
6 m/s
Water Temp
16.6°C
Visibility
9.52km
Cloud Cover
4%
Wave Period
9.85s
Air Temperature
5°C
Precipitation
0 mm
Detailed 7-Day Diving Forecast for PANCAKE ROCKS - MIDDLE ISLAND
Alpha
Dive Score Chart for PANCAKE ROCKS - MIDDLE ISLAND
Best time to dive: 10:00 with score 7.721477777777777/10. Water conditions: Waves 0.8m, Wind 4.7 m/s.Best night dive time: 21:00 with score 7.337690355329949/10.
Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.
Sunrise at PANCAKE ROCKS - MIDDLE ISLAND: 06:00
Sunset at PANCAKE ROCKS - MIDDLE ISLAND: 18:00
Optimal diving conditions at PANCAKE ROCKS - MIDDLE ISLAND 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
10:00Score: 7.7/10
Waves: 0.8m (9.6s), Wind: 4.7 m/s
Safest Overall
7:00Score: 7.7/10
Waves: 0.84m (9.3s), Wind: 3 m/s
Best Night
21:00Score: 7.3/10
Waves: 0.72m, Wind: 5.1 m/s
Seasonal Analysis for PANCAKE ROCKS - MIDDLE ISLANDAlpha
Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at PANCAKE ROCKS - MIDDLE ISLAND
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 PANCAKE ROCKS - MIDDLE ISLAND
Summer
Avg. Score: 7.9/10
Summer offers the warmest water temperatures and generally favorable conditions for all levels of divers.
Best Months for PANCAKE ROCKS - MIDDLE ISLAND
July
Score: 8.0
June
Score: 7.8
August
Score: 7.8
Ideal Conditions for PANCAKE ROCKS - MIDDLE ISLAND
Water Temp
17.6°C / 63.7°F
February
Visibility
12.3m / 40.4ft
January
Wave Height
1.6m / 5.2ft
January
Wave Period
8.0s
January
Seasonal Insights for PANCAKE ROCKS - MIDDLE ISLAND
PANCAKE ROCKS - MIDDLE ISLAND follows southern hemisphere patterns with February being the warmest month (17.6°C) and September the coldest (11.4°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 19, 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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