The joys of snorkelling

Snorkelling is a relaxing and fun way to see the fascinating world just beneath the surface of the sea. It is an exciting pastime that anyone, young or old, can enjoy with a minimum of equipment and little training

Floating, drifting along looking at the underwater topography and marine life without scaring away fish is an incredible experience. Snorkelling is a year-round activity, no matter where you live. You don't have to be a diver to visit the underwater world.

Did you know that New Zealand has more than 14,000 kilometres of coastline making it the 10th longest in the world? Our coastline borders both the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean. We also have more than 600 other islands plus several fantastic marine reserves.

Seen one fish, seen them all? You will be amazed how many different kinds of fish inhabit our local beaches, estuaries and harbours. If you don’t recognise or know what you are looking at try to memorise the shape, size, patterns and colours. Look it up later when you get home or better still take a photo if you can. Did you know in New Zealand there are at least 239 known species of salt water fish and 26 fresh-water species and apparently we also have more than 850 types of native seaweed.

Anybody can enjoy this experience with minimum of cost – a budget mask, fin and snorkel set can be purchased for less than $100. Visit your local dive store where you should receive knowledgeable help about size and fit and they can give advice on finding the best snorkel locations to visit in your area. Some shops have rental equipment for hire. Many visitors to New Zealand have claimed that the snorkelling experience was one of the highlights of their holiday and they can’t wait to do it again.

As a snorkeller you should always be ecologically responsible. Never interfere with the marine life you are observing – some fish sting it’s always wise to know which do and which don’t.

A few tips from the NZ Underwater Association

• Slip, slop and slap sunscreen! You and the whanau may be on the surface of the water for hours enjoying the sun, but sunburn is both inevitable and very painful if you don't apply lots of strong, waterproof sun block. Even on overcast and cloudy days, the reflective qualities of the water can amplify and enhance the sun's power and harmful rays.
  
• Avoid hyperventilating; slow, steady breathing is one of the keys to safe snorkelling.
  
• A buoy with a flag is always worth having, it tells other water users you are around. This also doubles as a floatation device should you need a rest.
  
• Avoid dangerous situations at all times; watch to see just how far you've travelled from the shore line or boat.
  
• Riptides can carry you out to sea and large waves can dash you against sharp rocks so be careful!
  
• Stay hydrated – your body can lose a lot of water in the sea.
  
• Most importantly, tell someone where you are going and when you intend to return.
  

You should seek professional training and understand the basics of snorkel diving before heading out – the Kids’ Mini Dippers Course, Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR) or Young Explorers. There are also sporting opportunities with snorkel and fins; try Underwater Rugby or Underwater Hockey. For the more adventurous we recommend freediving and spearfishing.

New Zealand Underwater Association has waterproof fish ID slates for sale online at Airpurity.co.nz which feature the majority of fish found around the coast of New Zealand. Look for the "order ROC" tab on the website.

The Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR) programme organises a series of Community Guided Snorkel Days around Auckland during the summer and would love to hear from any experienced snorkellers that may like to assist as volunteer snorkel guides.

Contact auckland@emr.org.nz to be added to our volunteer list.