New Zealand
Don´t miss Poor Knights , i went for 1 month (feb/2002) and i found the diving great besides that the water was too cold (17 c) for this caribbean soul . The viz at that time (summer) was poor , around 25 ft. so i did only macro and some video. The rocky bottom is full of life and color , you will find archs and caves very dramatic underwater.
I spent 1 week at the small Tutukaka´Pacific Rendevouz (
www.oceanresort.co.nz) the location is spectacular.... very peaceful and incredible views but not luxurious.
I dove with Dive Tutukaka , they have fastest/modern boats but usually a bit crowded.
So i dove more with Knight Divers a much small operator with older boat but i found it more relaxing and easy going.
At NZ you will find a lot things to do if you like the outdoors , adventure and nature . I suggest to buy the Lonely Planet NZ guide, i found it invaluable to plan my trip also to move around there.
There you will find some dolphins/whale watching trips , i went out of :Auckland , Bay Island and Kaikoura . This last one place you can see hundreds of dolphins and some sperm whales . If the conditions are right the allow you to get in the water and interact with the dolphins.
For some topside action go to Queenstown.
Have a great trip and don´t forget a dry suit.
Saludos
Elbuzo