Otago dive sites

The best diving at Aramoana Mole occurs during the summer months from December through April, when water temperatures are most tolerable at 14 to 16 degrees Celsius and daylight hours are longest. Critically, dives must be timed with the tide: slack water at the turn of the tide provides a window of approximately 30 to 60 minutes when currents are manageable. The incoming tide generally provides better visibility as it brings cleaner ocean water into the harbour. Local dive shops and experienced Otago divers can advise on tide timing for specific days.

New Zealand sea lions, one of the world's rarest pinniped species, have been recolonising the Otago coast in recent years, and Aramoana is one of the areas where they haul out on beaches. Underwater encounters are possible but not guaranteed; they occur most frequently during summer when young sea lions are most curious and active. When encounters happen, they are remarkable, with juveniles approaching divers at close range, blowing bubbles and making eye contact. Divers should maintain a respectful distance and never chase or corner the animals.

Aramoana's water temperatures range from 8 degrees Celsius in winter to around 16 degrees in summer, requiring substantial exposure protection. Most local divers use dry suits year-round. A thick semi-dry suit of seven millimetres with hood, gloves, and boots is the minimum for summer dives, and a dry suit is strongly recommended for comfort during longer dives. Even in summer, hands and face become cold quickly, so thick neoprene gloves and a hood are essential. Thermal undergarments beneath a dry suit allow for comfortable dives of 45 minutes or more.