Divers Cleared to Dive Canterbury Wreck

Northernmost of these is the former Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior. The Bay of Islands Canterbury Trust declared the former naval frigate sunk near Cape Brett on November 3rd safe to dive. She sits in 30 meters of water at Deep Water Cove. Marine life is already moving in!

A Truly World Class Location
The Canterbury promises to be one of New Zealand's top dive sites according to expert divers from the area. Deep Water Cove is a feature of the Cape Brett Peninsula, which forms the southern arm of the Bay of Islands. The site is favored by marine experts because of its sheltered aspect, flat sandy bottom and relative lack of tidal currents.

Underwater visibility at Deep Water Cove can be as much as 60 meters. Visibility at other popular dive sites in the area is low compared to Deep Water Cove. It has the makings of a first-class dive site with the advantage that the Canterbury can be enjoyed by less advanced divers. She is even visible to snorkelers at a depth of 5 meters!...

A Bit of History
The approved sinking location at Manawahuna (Deep Water Cove) is in the shadow of Rakaumangamanga, one of the sacred mountains of Ngapuhi. For this reason it has deep spiritual and cultural significance, particularly for its guardians, the Patukeha and Ngati Kuta hapu of Te Rawhiti. The English name for Manawahuna is Deep Water Cove, made famous by the American fisherman, Zane Grey in the 1920's. There was a fishing lodge at the Cove for many years.

Dive Status
Navy divers cleared the Canterbury declaring her safe to dive. Caution is advised due to a few boards covering holes and detonation cable that have yet to be removed from some areas. Non-commercial dive vessels are invited to dive the wreck free of charge. However, all commercial operators must pay a fee to help cover the enormous outstanding debt incurred despite a very efficient scuttling operation. All divers are asked to follow the code of conduct available for download at the Canterbury Trust website.

Stay Informed
Auckland diver Paul Morris told the press he believes the Canterbury will become one of New Zealand's top dive sites because of its sheletered location and crystal clear waters. He will post images on his web site, www.diveplanet.co.nz, which provides information about Northland's dive sites and wrecks. Morris promises to post updates to show the sea creatures moving into this new home!

The Canterbury Trust has created a very informative website with mapping of the wreck dimensions, sonar images, rules of conduct, and much more. To learn about this exciting new dive site, visit: Dive the HMNZS Canterbury

Sources: Canterbury Charitable Trust; Stuff NZ