Looking for dive and snorkle sites on the South Island

[formernuke]

Hello me and my family will be visiting from the 22 of december to the 5 th of january. I scuba dive, the rest of the family snorkles. We are looking for good sites east coast of the south island to go to, boat charters are ok, I would also need a dive partner and a place to rent tanks and weights. any suggestions would be appricated.

Thank you in advance

 

[AndyNZ]

I don't know the South Island too well, other than the wreck of the Mikhail Lermontov - a great dive, but not much in terms of snorkelling options.

Certainly Fiordland would be an option.

You could try asking on one of the two forums running in NZ, either www.scubadive.net.nz • Index page or sods :: Index

 

[enzeddiver]

Former Nuke, I agree with Andy NZ, the Lermontov is a great dive. Check with Kevin and Jennifer Bailey of Blenheim Dive Centre, excellent boat and crew and tour of the Lermontov. They have locations of snorkeling. Be prepared to get 7mm exposure suits, water can be a tad cool. Cheers

 

[cathm]

Do the Lermontov if you can; further south, Dive Kaikoura should be running regular trips around that time of year, and the rest of the family could do a seal snorkelling trip there - very scenic town. They should be able to match you up with a buddy.