The Cavalli Islands are a slice of subtropical paradise and a platform from which to plunge into the treasures of New Zealand's Far North. The terrain is volcanic so diving in the Cavalli Islands is filled with swim-throughs, tunnels and caves.
Between the Cavalli Islands and Matauri Bay lies the Northland's famous wreck: Rainbow Warrior. This scuttled Greenpeace ship is an artificial reef covered in coral - an unmissable wreck dive filled with jewel anemones, eels, monster crayfish and John Dory.
Waters in the Far North attract the world's largest stingrays. Northern scorpionfish are huge compared to tropical ones - plus they don't have the deadly sting. It's not uncommon for a pod of dolphin to put on a display as you cruise back to the mainland after diving the Cavalli Islands.
The best time to dive in the Cavalli Islands is from February through June when the water is at its warmest and currents are mild - but the stunning reefs and Rainbow Warrior wreck can be dived year-round.
Divers will want at least 5mm of exposure protection for the summer when the water temperature is around 71°F/22°C - keen divers will be tempted to discover what the Cavalli Islands have to offer at night - juvenile packhorse crayfish roam free unafraid of their sleeping predators and playful squid cruise past. Winter's 59°F/15°C water calls for at least 7mm and a hood.
Visibility is consistent through all seasons (up to 10m) and heaps of scorpionfish, octopus and rays parade around all year making diving in the Cavalli Islands a firm favourite.
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