SCUBA Dive ‘22 The best temperate diving in the Southern Hemisphere HIGHLIGHTS: Great & Little Barrier Islands, , Bay of Islands. Shipwrecks: “”, HMNZ Ships “Canterbury”, “Tui”, “Waikato”. : Hammerheads, Orcas, Ancient Volcanic Formations, Kelp Forests, abundant fish life

Duration: 11 days – 10 nights, 18-SCUBA Boat Dives, including Trip Code: NZ22 Tour Leader: Ron Hunter Max Group Size 12 Min. Level: Advanced Open Water + 35 Logged Dives Dates: 17th-27th February, 2022 Cost: $AU 3,990 Twin-share Plus Airfares The Diving Hauraki Gulf – Barrier Islands

SitesNITROX is included to maximise your dive times & safety. You The Diving: must be NITROX certified for its use. Expect TWO dives per day during the tour. Most diving is from RIBS, essential you have a spray jacket and hat

Right on Auckland’s doorstep lies the Hauraki Gulf, known throughout the world as a boating paradise. For many divers, this area has a certain mystique. many have heard of it, but few seem to know where it is or have actually dived it. Research over recent years has found areas frequented by the migrating Hammerheads between Little Barrier and Great Barrier Islands. The most successful observations of the Hammerheads is when snorkelling, but they are often spotted when SCUBA diving as well. Add to this huge crayfish, and massive torpedo-sized kingfish, these dive sites are not to be missed... Great Barrier Island is a rich eco-system fed by the East Auckland that travels through the famous Poor Knights and Mokohinau Islands. The climate is sub-tropical providing temperate waters and with its colourful volcanic history, there is plenty to explore underwater. The Great Barrier (chain of islands) is 40km long by 15km providing a vast array of locations to dive Great Barrier has a huge range of dive sites making it an ideal destination for both scuba divers and alike. Popular sites include broken island and the pigeons.

Little Barrier Island: Now an extinct volcano, travelling to Little Barrier is like stepping into Jurassic Park. The location is just stunning, & the diving doesn’t disappoint. Mid-February is the peak of the Hammerhead migration! This is one of the many amazing spectacles in terms of wildlife you can see in New Zealand. Outside of the Hammerhead season Little Barrier has plenty of fish life & beautiful scenery.

Hen Island: A complete contrasting dive site to little Barrier, offering amazing underwater topography & plenty of diverse fish life. The spearfishing divers love this area due the abundance & variety. At the Hen there are so many pinnacles to dive & arches to squeeze through, you will not be short of adventure & fun!

Poor Knights Islands – an International Icon Twenty-three kilometres off New Zealand’s Tutukaka Coast, and washed by warm currents swept South from the Coral Sea Tutukaka is the harbour town for trips heading out the Poor Knight Islands. The Poor Knights are a full nature and marine reserve, with several Islands fully protected and uninhabited. They are full of history, folk lore and chock full of life! The water here is affected by the east Australian current which causes the to vary between 14 C winter and 22 C in the summer. Welcoming a host of temperate and seasonal tropical visitors. Since becoming a marine reserve life has exploded here, and all sorts of temperate life calls the poor Knights home. All diving is from boats with nil people access to the Islands. There are MANY dive sites around the Poor Knight Islands, each with its own features. Many divers’ favourite is Northern Arch, photo opportunities abound here. Northern Arch is an Archway and Wall dive, depending on conditions and currents the dive plan can change here either side of the arch, around the point or through the arch and back. Max depth is around 43m at the bottom of the Arch which is 6-8m wide, the top of the arch is above the water level. At times you can see Sharks and larger creatures swimming off the point of the arch (Mantas and Orcas included). The Diving – the Shipwrecks

The former HMNZS Tui is resting at a depth of 32m of water. She began life as the Charles H Davis working on Hydrographic research for an American university.

For the last 17 years of her working life she was leased out by the United States Navy to become the HMNZS Tui, deployed on naval hydrographic work. She was also sent to Mururoa to observe the last series of French Nuclear bomb tests in the South Pacific, and became the unofficial mothership to a large international protest fleet.

The Tui was gifted to Tutukaka Coast Promotions after long negotiations, prepared for her new role as a dive attraction & sunk off Tutukaka on the 20th of February 1999.

The frigate ex HMNZS Waikato was built by Harland and Wolff in Belfast, Ireland, launched on February 18 1966, and commissioned into the on September 5, 1966.

At 113.4m long, 12.5m beam with a draft of 5.5m she was the first of the Leander class frigates built for the navy. She had a top speed of 30 knots, and was powered by twin 30,000 hp steam turbines

The Waikato was armed to the teeth, sporting twin 4.5in guns in the turret, two 20mm Orlikeon machine guns on the wings, a quad anti-aircraft missile launcher, six 12.75m anti-submarine torpedo tubes, one anti-submarine warfare mortar Mark 10 and a Wasp Helicopter capable of delivering depth charges and the Mark 46 anti- submarine torpedo.

She served the RNZ Navy until decommissioning in 1998. Tutukaka Coast won the tender & prepared the ship for divers during 1999-2020 Finally the ship was sent to her final resting place on the 25th of November 2000 in a world record time of 2 min 40 seconds.

Resting in 28m, the Waikato is the only purpose-sunk frigate in the Southern Hemisphere. Her turret & one propeller were left on the ship

Former HMNZ Canterbury (F421) was operated by the New Zealand Navy from 1971 to 2005. On 3rd November 2007 she was scuttled in Deep Water Cove to become an artificial to help encourage depleted fish stocks to increase.

Deep Water Cove become a Rahui (no take zone) and as of 2020 it was extended another 2 years.

Deep Water Cove became an attraction for divers and freedivers from all over New Zealand, visiting the area to dive the Canterbury wreck. Sitting on the sand at 32m at the bow and 36m at the stern, the upper deck sits between 22m and 27m, and the top of the super structure at 12m making it perfect for divers certified to 30m. 32% Enriched Air Nitrox is a popular blend to be used by scuba divers to explore the upper areas of the wreck.

The outside of the wreck is covered with colourful encrusting life including Jewel Anemones that can be seen spawning on special trips during the winter. Massive schools of sweep use the wreck for protection from hungry predators such as the large kingfish and snapper that can be found around and even inside the wreck. Large crayfish can be found in holes around the wreck. In the darker areas large schools of Big Eyes hide.

Divers can navigate the upper levels of the wreck relatively easily. The wreck was sunk with divers in mind. so large holes have been cut out around the wreck to allow easy access in and out by divers.

Dives to explore below 30m, take more planning and training.

The Diving – the Shipwrecks

The “Rainbow Warrior” The sinking of Rainbow Warrior, codenamed Opération Satanique, was a bombing operation by the "action" branch of the French foreign intelligence services, the Direction générale de la sécurité extérieure (DGSE), carried out on 10 July 1985.

During the operation, two operatives sank the flagship of the fleet, “Rainbow Warrior”, at the Port of Auckland in New Zealand on her way to a protest against a planned French nuclear test in . All of the crew escaped the sinking ship that night, except , a photographer, who drowned whilst trying to retrieve his expensive camera gear. France initially denied responsibility, but two French agents were captured by and charged with arson, conspiracy to commit arson, wilful damage and On 12 December 1987, two years after it was blown up in Auckland murder. The scandal resulted in the resignation of the French Harbour, the “Rainbow Warrior” was scuttled to become a dive site. Defence Minister , while the two agents plead The boat was sunk off Matauri Bay, quite close to the Cavalli Islands. guilty to manslaughter and were sentenced to ten years in prison. They spent two years confined to the French island of , before being freed by the French government.

Several political figures, including the then New Zealand Prime Minister David Lang, referred to the bombing as an act of terrorism, or state-sponsored terrorism. On the twentieth anniversary of the sinking, it was revealed that the French president Francois Mitterrand had personally authorized the bombing. BASTARD! Today, The Rainbow Warrior truly embodies its name. The 40-metre long ship is covered in colourful jewel anemones and macro critters. Divers will find themselves surrounded by schools of golden snapper, kingfish and john dory. Visibility on the wreck is consistently around 15-20 metres, water temperature in summer 22°C - 24°C. The maximum depth for the site is 27 metres. Photo Credit: Craig Johnston

The Diving Accommodation Bay of Islands – here are some dive sites

NoteSites the maximum depths, not that you want to go there! But Advanced Divers only, OK?

The Sisters (Motutara Rock) Advanced max depth 47m, Boulders at 30m great variety of fish life, large pelagic fish, occasional Sharks. Watch the current and surge.

Sonic Boom Cave Open Water Divers entrance at 14m and is approx 40m to the back (torch required). Aptly named because of the 'sonic boom'-like sound created when the wave hits the top of the cave. You can feel the sound waves pass through you! Strong surge as you enter but subsides at the bac

Big Eyes Lair Advanced Divers Swim thru entrance is at 24m and is around 38m-long (torch required). Named because it is home to thousands of Big Eye fish, at the top of the swim thru are Bastard Cod.

Danger Rock Advanced Divers. Watch the current & surge max depth 56m. This dive has it all swim throughs, walls, cuts, canyons and boulders, large Black Coral Trees, a great variety of fish life including large pelagic fish.

Pillar Rock Advanced Divers 27m. Good fish life, occasional cray.

The Nursery Open Water Divers 14m, Good fish life low lying reef.

Homer Reef Advanced Divers 27m.Good fish life, reef with kelp and the occasional Black spotted Groper.

Boar Fish Cave Open Waters Divers 20m max. Large Cave with sandy bottom and rear exit. Giant Boar fish are seen in this area.

Home Point Advanced Divers 25m. Good fish life, reef-fingers.

Waiwiri Rock Advanced Divers max depth 45m, great variety of fish life, get large pelagic fish and occasional Sharks. Watch the current and surge.

Net Rock Advanced Divers 30m. Good fish life, occasional cray.

Boulder Garden(W) PIERCY (Motukokako) Island Advanced max depth 70+m. At 25m you'll find boulders, great variety of fish life, large pelagic fish and occasional Sharks. A Fantastic wall dive with huge boulders at 55m, swim thru at 46m nice shelf for Deco and safety stops. Watch for boat traffic.

General Diving Rules

Obviously on all dive tours, safety is our main concern. The quality of diving is guaranteed. We must dive within our limits and stay safe.

NITROX is included in your Dive Package. To get the most out of your diving in New Zealand, you will need to be NITROX certified. Without the use of NITROX, your diving will be severely limited from day two onwards, to the point that you will almost certainly miss out on dives as the later part of the week progresses.

NOTE: You will need to be an experienced Advanced Certified Diver with an absolute minimum of 35 logged dives.

Dive Gear: Cylinders & are included. Hire Dive Gear is available at extra charge and must be booked in advance We strongly suggest you take all of your own dive gear with you. Water Temperature: Expect 22°C to 24°C

Packing List:

• Mask, & fins, 5mm + hooded vest or a 7mm wetsuit with hood, gloves, booties, • BCD, Regulator with ocky & SPG. Good computer • Torch, whistle, are compulsory • Good windproof jacket and hat are essential • Dive Camera with carry bag – we will mostly be diving from RIBs so space is somewhat restricted

Quest Tours – Forster NSW Australia (Licence number: 2TA 1493

If you choose to book your own flights, in the event of any schedule changes we will not be responsible for any punitive charges that may be applied by other travel agents or airlines.

T ravel Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours. We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance at the same time as paying your deposit. Find an insurance provider, who will cover you at the time of taking out your policy and until your tour’s return date. We suggest carefully checking conditions of any travel insurance you may be considering.

Please note that DAN Insurance do not cover you for things such as flight cancellations, lost baggage or similar. They only cover you for diving related injuries. We recommend additional insurance to cover cancellations, airline changes and baggage if you wish to use DAN.

COVID19:

Tour going ahead is contingent upon there being no travel restrictions applying at the time, which would prevent a safe and successful adventure.

In the event the New Zealand Tour is cancelled due to COVID19 restrictions, transfers to a later date or full refunds of monies paid will be available

Note that New Zealand is expected to be part of a “Travel Bubble” with Australia, and as such, will be bound by New Zealand and Australian Govt rules and regulations NZLH Planning & Details 20220220

Please note, all flight times and schedules are as at April 2021 and are subject to change

Thursday 17th February 2022: Flights from Sydney SYD, Melbourne MEL & Brisbane BNE to Auckland NZ AKL

Depart SYD 07:40 > 12:50 AKL, or MEL 07:20 > 12:55 AKL, or BNE 08:25 > 14:40 AKL. At the airport we will pick up our hire vans, for self-drive travels in NZ, travelling around one-hour to Warkworth for 3-nights (L*)

Friday 18th: First day of diving, 40-minutes fast boat trip to Little Barrier Island, at this time of the year schools of Hammerhead Sharks are regularly seen here. Reef dive after surface interval. Back to dock around 4:30pm (B)

Saturday 19th: Repeat Friday’s diving. Back to dock. Eat, drink, be merry, not too merry, we dive tomorrow (B)

Sunday 20th: Double dive Hen Island, afternoon return to dock, travel 2-hours to Tutukaka for 3-nights (B)

Monday 21st: Around 1-hour travel by comfortable boat out the famous Poor Knights Islands. Double reef dive, lunch in between, return to dock around 4:00pm. Eat, drink, be merry, not too merry, we dive tomorrow (B,L)

Tuesday 22nd: Repeat Monday’s dive plan. Eat, drink, be (not too) merry, we dive 2 shipwrecks tomorrow (B,L)

Wednesday 23rd: Shipwrecks, ex “HMNZS Tui” resting at a depth of 32-metres, surface interval with lunch then dive the Frigate ex “HMNZS Waikato” resting shallower at a depth of 28-metres, return to dock around 1:00pm, 2:30 hours to Whangaruru, Bay of Islands for 4-nights. Eat, drink, be (not too) merry, we dive tomorrow (B,L,D)

Thursday 24th: Around 1-hour travel by RIB to one of the fabulous dive sites in the Bay of Islands. Double reef dive, lunch in between, return to dock around 4:00pm. Eat, drink, be (not too) merry, we dive tomorrow (B,L,D)

Friday 25th: Repeat Monday’s dive plan. Eat, drink, be merry, not too merry, dive 2 shipwrecks tomorrow (B,L,D)

Saturday 26th: Shipwrecks, ex “HMNZS Canterbury” and / or the Greenpeace ship the “Rainbow Warrior”, return to dock around 4:00pm. Eat, drink, be merry, as it’s OK, relax, let your hair down, no diving tomorrow. (B,L,D)

Sunday 27th: Breakfast, leisurely 2½ - hour drive south to Auckland, stops on the way for photos & lunch (B)

Sunday 27th Feb 2022: Flights from Auckland NZ AKL to Sydney SYD, Melbourne MEL and Brisbane BNE (D*)

Depart AKL 19:00 > 20:35 SYD, or AKL 18:50 > 21:00 MEL, or AKL 16:30 > 17:10 BNE (D*)

Included Meals: Breakfast (B) Lunch (L) Dinner (D) In-flight meals (+*) NZ The Fine Print 2022

• Maximum number of divers on this trip 11 + your tour leader Ron. • Your tour leader/ tour coordinator Ron ([email protected]) will organize your flights if you require, transfers, accommodation and anything else you may need • You will need Advanced Certification and 35+ Logged Dives. NITROX Certification is essential Inclu sions: • Accommodation; 3-nights Luxury AirBnB, 3-nights Waterfront Hotel, 4-nights Dive Lodge • 11-days Van hire including fuel. Self drive in 3 vans. Drivers: Ron + volunteers from the group • 18-SCUBA boat dives NITROX, SCUBA cylinders, weights • Dive Guide / Tour Leader • Meals: 22-meals as noted in “Planning and Details” with Breakfast (B) Lunch (L) Dinner (D)

Budget for: • Return Airfares to Auckland, if you book your own flights, times must coincide with itinerary • Meals other than those specified in “Planning and Details” • Drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) • Travel insurance (compulsory) Optional extras and upgrades:

• Queen bed / ensuite, couple only, Warkworth

3-nights @ $20 per night = $60 Per Person

• Single occupancy, available at Bay of Islands,

4-nights @ $40 per night = $160

• Cabin Queen bed, twin share at Bay of Islands,

4-nights @ $20 per night = $80 Per Person

• You might like to spend more time in & around

Auckland, you will need to plan this in advance

Quest Tours PH : +61 2 6554 7478 [email protected] | www.questtours.com.au

Tour cost: $AU 3,990 ($AU 1:00 = $NZ 1:07) Twin share + Airfares Direct Flights available ex Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane Dates: Thursday 17th February – Sunday 27th February, 2022