Simpson Rock
Discover an exhilarating dive site in New Zealand known as the Sea Pinnacle. This underwater wonder features a small exposed area of rock that extends steeply beneath the water's surface to approximately 20-30 meters. At this depth, a small platform awaits, providing divers with an exciting location to explore. However, it's crucial to note that beyond the platform, the seabed drops off significantly, reaching depths of 60+ meters.
With its challenging nature, the Sea Pinnacle is best suited for advanced and expert divers. The dive itself typically takes around 20-30 minutes to complete a full circle around the rock, offering divers a unique and thrilling experience. However, it's important to be mindful of the site's exposure to strong currents and rough sea conditions, ensuring that divers are adequately prepared and equipped.
One of the captivating aspects of the Sea Pinnacle dive site is its abundant marine life. Prepare to be immersed in a world filled with diverse aquatic creatures, including large fish schools of New Zealand demoiselle. With optimal water temperatures present, fortunate divers may even encounter majestic Manta Rays, much like the sightings experienced at the famous Poor Knights dive site.
Located near Aotea Great Barrier in Auckland, New Zealand, the Sea Pinnacle is conveniently accessible to divers seeking an extraordinary underwater adventure. The site boasts a visibility of approximately 20 meters and reaches a maximum depth of 19 meters, ensuring divers can fully appreciate the beauty that surrounds them.
Prepare yourself for an exceptional dive experience at the Sea Pinnacle dive site in New Zealand. Explore the depths, witness spectacular marine life, and embrace the thrill that awaits beneath the waves.
Diving Conditions Score for Simpson Rock
Challenging conditions, for experienced divers only.
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.
Dive Site Overview for Simpson Rock
Depth
19m
Visibility
20m
Experience Level
Weather Conditions for Simpson Rock
Wave Height
1.78m
Wind Speed
48.8 m/s
Water Temp
16.4°C
Visibility
25.54km
Cloud Cover
37%
Wave Period
5.25s
Air Temperature
13.4°C
Precipitation
0 mm
Dive Score Chart for Simpson Rock
Best time to dive: 9:00 with score 5.658199999999999/10. Water conditions: Waves 1.64m, Wind 47 m/s.Best night dive time: 0:00 with score 5.7867/10.
Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.
Optimal diving conditions at Simpson Rock 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.
Score: 5.8/10
Waves: 0.98m (4.9s), Wind: 36 m/s
Score: 5.6/10
Waves: 1.6m (5.1s), Wind: 44.7 m/s
Score: 5.7/10
Waves: 1.64m, Wind: 47 m/s
Seasonal Analysis for Simpson RockAlpha
Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at Simpson Rock
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 Simpson Rock
Summer
Summer offers the warmest water temperatures and generally favorable conditions for all levels of divers.
Best Months for Simpson Rock
Ideal Conditions for Simpson Rock
Water Temp
18.5°C / 65.3°F
February
Visibility
11.8m / 38.7ft
May
Wave Height
1.8m / 5.9ft
December
Wave Period
8.0s
January
Seasonal Insights for Simpson Rock
Simpson Rock follows southern hemisphere patterns with February being the warmest month (18.5°C) and October the coldest (12.6°C). The calmest conditions typically occur in December with average wave heights of 1.8m and wave periods of 8.0s. The most comfortable wave conditions are in December 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 0.0mm of precipitation. For beginners, the best time to visit would be during December to February, 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 - Jul 9, 2026