Diving in Fiordland
The South Island fjords are worth the extra effort
Diving in Fiordland presents some challenges in access, but is worth the effort and expense (and the helicopter ride in is breathtaking!). The spectacular fjords were carved out by glaciers 20,000 years ago. The seven metres of rain each year and glacial run-off cause a tannin-stained freshwater layer to float on the seawater below. The darker fresh water reduces light penetration so deeper water species such as black coral are able to thrive in shallower water. The off the grid, untouched, isolation adds to the ambience.
Bowen Channel was one favourite dive site. The steep, Jurassic cliff faces above the surface continue below with deep walls. Black coral trees entwined with snake stars glisten in the darkness, swarmed with butterfly perch. Black coral is actually white – it is their skeleton that is black. Red corals, smaller and brighter, emerge fluorescent from the depths. Tunicates, sponges and bryozoans are choked for space on the wall. And if this isn’t enough, you can easily be buzzed by a seven-gill shark. You can drop down the cliff as deep as you dare and then slowly ascend – there will be no boredom on decompression sites.
