KAIKŌURA SCUBA FIELD GUIDE
Hunt for Koura: Two Boat Dives Where Mountains Meet the Sea
Two guided boat dives from Kaikōura to explore rocky reefs, seaweed gardens and the search for crayfish (koura) — all equipment is included and certified divers only.
Hunt for Koura: Two Boat Dives Where Mountains Meet the Sea.
Board Mana in Kaikōura and spend a full morning or afternoon on two boat dives that thread the interface between the Southern Alps and the Pacific — exploring rocky reefs and seaweed gardens alive with seals, octopus, wrasse and the local crayfish (koura) and paua.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Vibrant reefs and abundant critters
Dive sites feature colourful seaweed gardens and rocky reefs where octopus, blue cod, wrasse, nudibranchs and paua are commonly seen — the habitats you’ll explore on both boat dives.
Search for koura — crayfish local to the region
The objective of the dives is to search for the local crayfish (koura). Guides take you to promising spots and offer tips, but gathering is the diver’s responsibility and bound by local recreational catch and size limits.
Playful fur seals and scenic transit
Transit to the chosen sites offers the classic Kaikōura vista where mountains meet sea, and underwater you may encounter curious fur seals among the reefs.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
Step aboard the operator’s boat and head to the day’s selected sites for two boat dives. As you descend you move through kelp and reef scapes rich with small life, surface between dives aboard the boat, then return for a second search often focused on locating koura — following local gathering rules and size limits.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Allow approximately 5 hours for the full experience, including transit, two boat dives and surface intervals.
Meet at the operator’s departure address in Kaikōura: 38 West End, Kaikoura 7300.
All diving equipment is included; if you don’t have your diver’s certification ID handy, contact the operator beforehand so they can look up your certification online.
Participants must hold an Open Water certification or equivalent; contact the operator if you’re unsure about your eligibility.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
Plan for about 5 hours for the full outing, which includes two boat dives and surface intervals.
Where do we meet?
The meeting point is 38 West End, Kaikoura 7300.
Do I need to be certified to join?
Yes — this tour is for Open Water certifications (or equivalent) and above only; contact the operator if you’re unsure.
Is equipment provided?
All equipment is included for the dives.
Can I gather crayfish on the dive?
Yes — divers may gather crayfish themselves; the operator will not catch them for you. Gathering must obey local recreational catch and size limits and the operator’s limit of a maximum two crayfish per diver, and small or breeding animals must be left alone.
I don’t have my diver’s cert ID with me — is that a problem?
The operator can look up your certification online before the dive; contact them prior to the day to speed the process.