SOUTH EAST CORNER
The South East Corner of Great Mercury Island in New Zealand offers a beautiful and expansive reef that is ideal for diving. The depth of the reef is relatively shallow in the middle but provides excellent diving opportunities overall. However, it's important to note that the site is highly exposed to various wind and swell directions.
Divers can expect a standard kelpy rocky bottom with patches of white sand scattered throughout. The area is abundant with a variety of fish and crayfish, making it a popular spot for underwater exploration. Additionally, there are frequent sightings of rays and orcas, adding to the excitement of the dive.
With a visibility of 11 meters and a maximum depth of 15 meters, this dive site is suitable for both beginner and advanced divers. Located near Waikato, New Zealand, it offers a convenient option for exploring the underwater wonders of the region.
Experience the beauty and adventure of the South East Corner of Great Mercury Island—a premier dive spot in New Zealand.
Divers can expect a standard kelpy rocky bottom with patches of white sand scattered throughout. The area is abundant with a variety of fish and crayfish, making it a popular spot for underwater exploration. Additionally, there are frequent sightings of rays and orcas, adding to the excitement of the dive.
With a visibility of 11 meters and a maximum depth of 15 meters, this dive site is suitable for both beginner and advanced divers. Located near Waikato, New Zealand, it offers a convenient option for exploring the underwater wonders of the region.
Experience the beauty and adventure of the South East Corner of Great Mercury Island—a premier dive spot in New Zealand.
Diving Conditions Score for SOUTH EAST CORNER
4.9
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 SOUTH EAST CORNER
Depth
15m
Visibility
11m
Experience Level
beginner
advanced
Weather Conditions for SOUTH EAST CORNER
Wave Height
0.62m
Wind Speed
8.8 m/s
Water Temp
16.6°C
Visibility
2.52km
Cloud Cover
99%
Wave Period
9.35s
Air Temperature
13°C
Precipitation
0 mm
Detailed 7-Day Diving Forecast for SOUTH EAST CORNER
Alpha
Dive Score Chart for SOUTH EAST CORNER
Best time to dive: 8:00 with score 7.5112655971479505/10. Water conditions: Waves 0.62m, Wind 8.5 m/s.Best night dive time: 1:00 with score 6.651088888888888/10.
Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.
Sunrise at SOUTH EAST CORNER: 06:00
Sunset at SOUTH EAST CORNER: 18:00
Optimal diving conditions at SOUTH EAST CORNER 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
8:00Score: 7.5/10
Waves: 0.62m (9.35s), Wind: 8.5 m/s
Best Night
1:00Score: 6.7/10
Waves: 0.7m, Wind: 14.3 m/s
Seasonal Analysis for SOUTH EAST CORNERAlpha
Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at SOUTH EAST CORNER
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 SOUTH EAST CORNER
Summer
Avg. Score: 7.9/10
Summer offers the warmest water temperatures and generally favorable conditions for all levels of divers.
Best Months for SOUTH EAST CORNER
July
Score: 8.0
June
Score: 7.8
August
Score: 7.8
Ideal Conditions for SOUTH EAST CORNER
Water Temp
17.9°C / 64.2°F
February
Visibility
12.3m / 40.4ft
January
Wave Height
1.6m / 5.2ft
January
Wave Period
8.0s
January
Seasonal Insights for SOUTH EAST CORNER
SOUTH EAST CORNER follows southern hemisphere patterns with February being the warmest month (17.9°C) and September the coldest (11.7°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 20, 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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