Southern Arch
One notable feature of Southern Arch is the presence of strong currents, which can create an exhilarating diving experience. These currents also attract large schools of fish, providing divers with a captivating underwater spectacle. The walls of the arch are teeming with vibrant invertebrates, creating a stunning backdrop for underwater exploration. Divers may even be lucky enough to spot nudibranchs during their dive.
With a visibility of 15m and a maximum depth of 16m, Southern Arch offers divers the opportunity to explore its fascinating underwater world. Its proximity to Northland, New Zealand makes it easily accessible for both local and international divers seeking an unforgettable diving adventure.
Experience the thrill of diving in Southern Arch and immerse yourself in the beauty of New Zealand's underwater wonders.
Diving Conditions Score for Southern Arch
Challenging conditions, for experienced divers only.
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.
Dive Site Overview for Southern Arch
Depth
16m
Visibility
15m
Experience Level
Weather Conditions for Southern Arch
Wave Height
2.1m
Wind Speed
41.8 m/s
Water Temp
17.3°C
Visibility
41.52km
Cloud Cover
2%
Wave Period
6.65s
Air Temperature
15.4°C
Precipitation
0 mm
Dive Score Chart for Southern Arch
Best time to dive: 6:00 with score 5.249933333333333/10. Water conditions: Waves 1.68m, Wind 29.3 m/s.Best night dive time: 0:00 with score 5.0515333333333325/10.
Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.
Optimal diving conditions at Southern Arch 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: 5.2/10
Waves: 1.68m (7.75s), Wind: 29.3 m/s
Score: 5.1/10
Waves: 1.68m, Wind: 16.5 m/s
Seasonal Analysis for Southern ArchAlpha
Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at Southern Arch
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 Southern Arch
Summer
Summer offers the warmest water temperatures and generally favorable conditions for all levels of divers.
Best Months for Southern Arch
Ideal Conditions for Southern Arch
Water Temp
18.4°C / 65.1°F
March
Visibility
12.0m / 39.4ft
May
Wave Height
1.8m / 5.9ft
December
Wave Period
8.0s
January
Seasonal Insights for Southern Arch
Southern Arch follows southern hemisphere patterns with March being the warmest month (18.4°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). May 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 5, 2026