Lake Taupo Lake Taupo

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Dive site review by Tom Crisp
above water image – Sylvia Simpson, below water image – Tom Crisp

While most of the diving in NZ is ocean diving, there are numerous freshwater spots well worth a visit. Probably the most obvious choice is Lake Taupo. Taupo can be dived from shore or boat in almost any weather conditions making it perfect for a backup plan if everything else turns to custard.

From the campground on the waters southeastern edge is a great dive. There is a peninsular which boasts dropoff’s to 60m on one side and a nice gradual sloping reef on the other. While marine life is not as plentiful as the ocean there is still a lot to see. Koura litter sandy patches with an aggressive personality like that of a Jack Russel. Trout are also fairly regularly sighted. Small freshwater snails and muscles blend in with the surrounding rock or sandy bottom adding a macro element to the dive.

The main attraction of Lake Taupo is the topography. Interesting rock formations can be seen almost anywhere in the lake and vary depending on the site and even in the middle of no man’s land in the lake there are usually trees dotted around on the floor providing shelter for Koura.

Personally I have only explored a small percentage of Lake Taupo and thoroughly enjoyed it. If anyone dives any other interesting sites around the lake, I’d love to hear about them.