Scuba Diving - Dive Tutukaka

Service rating:

Did scuba diving. Price cheaper than in their official website

Product rating:

Beautiful spot. Did scuba for the first time. Staff very helpful and informative

Reviewed 15-Feb-2020

Service rating:

First, the instructors were nice people who did a great boat orientation and were very personable.

Second, they did zero familiarization with the scuba set components from the BCD to the regulator and backup, to the computer and pressure gauge - none. Also nothing on where to tuck hoses and items. No instructions on how to jetison weights from the weighted harness. No tips on acending and descending (lean back), breathing techniques, arm position, or basic courtesy underwater (if you kick someone - stop kicking). Even for very experienced divers this is a must - it takes 5 minutes tops and adds huge value.

Third, the boat was packed to the limit and my tank was shoved to the furthest corner by the crew - I didn't pick the spot - sitting with one cheek on the far edge of the bench made getting into and out of the bcd w tank - interesting.

Fourth, the entry and exit points are the same (people enter and exit the vessel at exactly the same point - instead of stepping off the stern and climbing ladders on the flanks of the stern platform or just rolling backwards from a zodiac. This causes a traffic jam.

Worse, the ladders extend outward stair style from the stern platform- they aren't verticle. So if you are the first one off the boat and don't see them (as I was) or you can't leap the distance to clear them with full gear on you may end up banging your leg on the damn metal ladder that extends a foot or two out from the stern (I now have a hairline fracture of my right leg because of this). Still did the dive but not fun.

Fifth, everyone went in the water at once instead of going in relays and everyone was in the same tiny little area - no dispersion. I get the logistical and monetary reasons for this (easier to watch more people in a tiny area and cheaper / faster to do everyone at once) but it was the most crowded dive I've ever experienced and I used to lead multi-day dive tours. I spent more time getting kicked in the head by other divers and watching people bump into each other than actually appreciating the Poor Knights.

Sixth, maybe it was just the day, but the dive was a definite MEH - poor visibility, nothing that exciting - scopionfish, one eel, some pretty fish. But mostly very crowded. Maybe I got spoiled diving the GBR and Costa Rica and other spots but was kinda expecting more. Actually - was totally expecting more. That was probably the least interesting dive of my life. Would have saved the cash and the day if I had it to take back.

Product rating:

As noted previously, I was expecting more and disappointed by a number of procedural points - but the staff was very nice.

Reviewed 06-Jan-2020

Service rating:

Great interaction with all staff members and good communication prior/during the activity. Exceptional service

Product rating:

Amazing crew with knowledgeable and personable instructors. Lovely time all around

Reviewed 29-Dec-2017

My Name ist Anja and I am a single traveling german woman, 56 years old with 30years of dive experience all over the planet. In the beginning of 2024, depending the flights, I like to dive 3 days at the Poor Knights Islands and also a day close to Tutukaka (is it worth it?)
My plan ist to arrive in Auckland between the 04th and the 07th of January and make my way to Tutukaka. After diving it would be nice to travel around 1+2 more days so that I fly to Sydney around the 11th/14th of January 2024.
With around 2.000 dives I am experienced also in open ocean and colder water. I would like to avoid to accompany Open Water Divers during there last lesson.
Can you help me organise that?

Hi there, i was wondering if there was an option to scuba dive without having a certificate? I saw that you have “Discover Scuba” as an option but i was wondering if you need a certificate for this activity?

I am a certified open water diver and my parents want to snorkle. I am wondering if there are any tours going out tomorrow 5/12. I am also wondering if I as only an open water diver am able to dive the shipwrecks or if I can only dive the reef. I would be happy with either. Please let me know

Is the summer ‘perfect day’ trip on the same boat as your dive trips? I’m keen to come out with my brother and wife in November. He dives, she doesn’t, but we’re all keen on free diving too so trying to maximise the fun for 3 of us... can we book a single dive for 2 of us then all 3 snorkel together? Or if it’s split out perhaps we all just snorkel on the perfect day?

What is the proficiency level required for these dives? Do we need to be qualified divers for this? I have experienced scuba once before that too with help of a trainer. Can I join this group?

Hi,
I’m looking to complete dives 3&4 of my open water PADI course, I completed dives 1&2 in Bali but didn’t have time to finish it off. I have my signed log book but do need a PIC(?) number. If you could let me know the total cost for this that’d be awesome.

Hi, I am wondering if you have a Poor Knights Island day trip available on Monday, March 16. My husband would like Discover Scuba (he has tried it a few years back but is not certified), and I will be a non-diver. Is this something you could offer us? Thanks!