globalbabe
Registered
I'm heading to New Zealand next month from 18-31 December and aim to fit in as much diving as possible while catching up with my family. So I'm trying to decide on where to go, based on the time I have available and general proximity to Auckland, my base. For those with experience diving throughout New Zealand, can you advise on the following sites:
* Poor Knights Islands (3 days)
* Goat Island Marine Reserve (2 days)
* White Island (2 days)
* Mikhail Lermontov (2 days)
I'm thinking that's probably a bit ambitious to do them all, especially since it's also over the Christmas Day and Boxing Day period, when most ops are closed. And given there's a bit of travelling time getting between Tutukaka, Whakatane and Picton, if I have to drop one, which should I? What are your top 3 picks out of the 4? Have I allowed enough time for each site? More time, less time?
Also, what are your thoughts on exposure protection in late December? I have a 7mm long and was wondering whether to add a 5mm shortie plus hood over the top or a 3mm long underneath. Most of my diving experience is in tropical waters but have done about 20 dives in mid-winter on Ningaloo Reef and Great Barrier Reef (around 21 deg C) and found that a bit chilly with just a 7mm.
(Note: I did my PADI Wreck, Deep and Nitrox certs on the Zenobia wreck in Larnaca, Cyprus - totally loved the 10+ dives I did on it, so am keen to have another large wreck experience, this time with an underwater camera).
* Poor Knights Islands (3 days)
* Goat Island Marine Reserve (2 days)
* White Island (2 days)
* Mikhail Lermontov (2 days)
I'm thinking that's probably a bit ambitious to do them all, especially since it's also over the Christmas Day and Boxing Day period, when most ops are closed. And given there's a bit of travelling time getting between Tutukaka, Whakatane and Picton, if I have to drop one, which should I? What are your top 3 picks out of the 4? Have I allowed enough time for each site? More time, less time?
Also, what are your thoughts on exposure protection in late December? I have a 7mm long and was wondering whether to add a 5mm shortie plus hood over the top or a 3mm long underneath. Most of my diving experience is in tropical waters but have done about 20 dives in mid-winter on Ningaloo Reef and Great Barrier Reef (around 21 deg C) and found that a bit chilly with just a 7mm.
(Note: I did my PADI Wreck, Deep and Nitrox certs on the Zenobia wreck in Larnaca, Cyprus - totally loved the 10+ dives I did on it, so am keen to have another large wreck experience, this time with an underwater camera).