Tutukaka Coast HMNZS Waikato

DESCRIPTION

This is a great wreck dive that is only a short boat ride out of the Tutukaka Harbour. The HMNZS Waikato is a decommissioned Leander class New Zealand Navy Frigate.

HMNZS Waikato was purposely sunk in late 2000 and now rests at approx 28/30metres. She landed upright on the seabed but over the last 14 years has slowly increased her list to port so that she now lies at almost 45 degrees to the sand. She has large holes cut in her sides to make entry and exit very safe and less experienced divers will gain valuable wreck diving experience from the vessel. The shallowest part of the wreck is only 12/14 meters from the surface. There is a permanent mooring line attached to the starboard side of midships behind the super structure. This is right next to the opening of the helicopter hanger. From here you can cross over to the port side of the ship and begin your dive on the deepest side. Keeping the wreck on your right shoulder you can head forward towards the bow, stopping to check out the superstructure on the way. There are plenty of holes and openings to peer into but entry into the ship should always been undertaken only if you are trained to do so.

Upon reaching the front of the ship you will find that the entire bow section including the guns has been sheared off from the main bulk of the ship just in front of the bridge. This makes for an amazing view as you can hang just off from the break and see into all of the deck levels.  Air, time and visibility permitting you can head over to the bow section and check out the guns before heading back to the main body of the ship. Again orientate the ship on to your right shoulder and follow the starboard railings back toward the helicopter hanger opening so that you can ascend back up the mooring line for your exit.

Built by Harland & Wolfe Ltd, Belfast, the Waikato was launched by HRH Princess Alexandra on 18 February 1965. She was the first Leander Class frigate to be built for the Royal New Zealand Navy. The ship took her name from the North Island province of Waikato and was the first New Zealand commissioned naval vessel to bear the name. She was adopted by the Waikato city of Hamilton and the ships company participated in a final Charter Parade in the city as part of the decommissioning.

In her service days the Waikato was fitted with modern air and surface warning radar and navigation aids along with undersea detection equipment. The ships twin 115mm guns had a long range and a high rate of fire. The ships crest features a Taniwha, a water monster and legendary guardian of the Waikato people and their river.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Displacement: 3182 Tonnes
Length: 113.4 meters
Beam: 12.4 meters
Draught: 5.6 meters
Machinery: Twin steam turbines driving twin shafts 30,000 horse power total
Armament: Twin 115mm guns Wasp helicopters carrying homing torpedoes. Two twin barreled torpedo tubes. One Phalanx closed weapon system.
Maximum speed: 30 knots
Complement: 239 (19 Officers)