Scuba Diving in Aotearoa

Xavier and Quentin learned to scuba dive in December. Since then, Beth did two boat dives with Xavier at the Mokohinau Islands. Later, Beth, Xavier and Quentin dove twice at the Hen and Chicks Islands. The underwater landscape is not as varied and colorful as Bonaire and the water is not as warm, but it is still offers some interesting scenery. The terrain is volcanic, often covered with lush kelp forests. There are about a dozen or so varieties of fish that we see each dive including triggerfish, blue demoiselles and eagle rays. The boys have discovered how much fun it is to swim into the kelp looking for treasures hidden below like urchin shells and big snails. Peering under the overhangs, we often saw encrusting corals in shades of orange, pink and purple. Big kingfish and mokis congregate there as well. Quentin was eager to snag a crayfish, but they are spiny and fast. Fortunately, some fellow divers were willing to share their catch with us one day.