Paihia Dive
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Paihia Dive
Paihia Dive is the far north’s premier dive centre and it’s our great pleasure to show you all the wonders of this beautiful part of New Zealand
Discover the underwater wonders of the Bay of Islands with Paihia Dive. Daily dives to the wrecks of The Rainbow Warrior, and HMNZS Canterbury. Explore the amazing caves, arches, and reefs of Cape Brett, and visit The Hole in the Rock.
Paihia Dive is the Bay of Islands longest running dive charter operation (since 1978!). Conveniently located in the heart of
Paihia. We have a highly professional, experienced and friendly crew, which can look after all your diving needs. Never dived before? Then learn to dive with Paihia's only Padi 5 Star Dive Centre. Paihia Dive is also the only full service dive shop in Paihia, so for all your diving needs visit the team at Paihia Dive!
Paihia Dive is fully accredited through New Zealand Underwater Association, Tourism Association of New Zealand, Padi, and OSH compliant Instructors.
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Paihia DiveCommercial organisation |
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Paihia |
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Diving
Reviews
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5.0/5
This was my first dive after getting certified and I couldn't have felt better taken care of!
The staff at the shop were helpful in fitting me with gear, including setting up my computer. On the way out to Deep Water Cove we had dolphins swimming along the boat. We did two reef dives with a lunch break in between. Clear water and a lot to see. Craig and the rest of the crew on the boat were so friendly and engaging. Definitely a worthwhile day!
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4.5/5
Did two dives with them = Canterbury wreck and reef.
Good and helpful staff, good rental equipment. Overall a great diving experience.
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5.0/5
Amazing!
The dive instructors/dive masters knew what they were doing and made us feel comfortable.
Hi Lauren,
Glad you had a great time out diving with us! We hope to see you back soon for some more.
Cheers,
Craig
Craig Johnston
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4.0/5
Got to try my first diving experience......
which I did not like but the guys on board were really cool about it. I have finally signed up for my open water class. The instructor was really great!! Made me feel comfortable underwater and I like it now!
MJ! Your reaction from the first dive was so funny, you really didn't like it!! But you stuck with it and got through your discomfort and did really well on the Open Water Course. We loved how you did this and ended up having such a great time diving :-)
Craig and the team.
Craig Johnston
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4.0/5
Nice staff, friendly, good safety standards and two absolutely beautiful dive spots for beginners.
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5.0/5
Had an awesome weekend with the guys at Paihia Dive doing my advanced course.
All the staff and crew were very friendly and obviously love what they're doing. This goes a long way when they have such a passion for diving and their enthusiasm was instantly transfered to everyone of us that joined them. We visited some amazing sites- including the Rainbow Warrior wreck and the HMNZS Canterbury wreck. The Canterbury, still laying perfectly upright on the sea bed, is seriously a site worth visiting, with plenty of penetrating opportunities to see things like the sonar room and the command room and even a couple of giant washing machines!
Stu, my instructor for the weekend was top notch. Couldn't have asked for better. He was laid back enough in his approach, but everything had to be done correctly and safely. Perfect balance! He's also a very good photographer and, as a photographer myself with hardly any underwater photography experience, he had plenty of tips and was very knowledgeable about the latest gear.
Definitely worth visiting this family run dive shop and experience the sites they have on their doorstep.
Hope to visit again if I'm ever back in the area.
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5.0/5
I learned to dive with Craig and his team here four years ago and have gone out diving with them periodically over the past four years.
They are a great team, well organised who really know the area they are diving in. Each dive location we've gone to, whether it be one of the two fantastic wrecks, or one of the many reef sites around the Bay, Craig and his team have made the day great, showing off the local fish life, taking stunning photos and offering advice to any who needed it. Regardless of the weather, the diving is always fantastic and even in the winter the water is blue and clear. I couldn't recommend them highly enough - if you're up in the Far North, this is the company to dive with.
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5.0/5
Craig is an expert diving instructor.
It was a long time ago that my husband and I had the opportunity to dive with him. His calm and patient manner was just what I needed as I was feeling very nervous.
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5.0/5
I spent two days diving with Craig and the team at Paihia Dive.
From the moment I walked into the centre I knew this was the place for me.
Day 1 diving on the HMNZS Canterbury and local dive sites. We even went scallop and crayfish hunting.
Day 2 up north to the Rainbow Warrior. A thoroughly pleasant day with lunch on an island.
Definitely two great days diving, and will definitely return next time I'm in Northland.
Thanks Guys!!
Hi Nicoli,
Cheers for the review mate! It was a pleasure taking you diving, we hope to see you back again soon for some more adventures. Craig.
Craig Johnston
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5.0/5
This was my first dive after getting certified and I couldn't have felt better taken care of!
The staff at the shop were helpful in fitting me with gear, including setting up my computer. On the way out to Deep Water Cove we had dolphins swimming along the boat. We did two reef dives with a lunch break in between. Clear water and a lot to see. Craig and the rest of the crew on the boat were so friendly and engaging. Definitely a worthwhile day!
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4.0/5
Got to try my first diving experience......
which I did not like but the guys on board were really cool about it. I have finally signed up for my open water class. The instructor was really great!! Made me feel comfortable underwater and I like it now!
MJ! Your reaction from the first dive was so funny, you really didn't like it!! But you stuck with it and got through your discomfort and did really well on the Open Water Course. We loved how you did this and ended up having such a great time diving :-)
Craig and the team.
Craig Johnston
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5.0/5
Amazing!
The dive instructors/dive masters knew what they were doing and made us feel comfortable.
Hi Lauren,
Glad you had a great time out diving with us! We hope to see you back soon for some more.
Cheers,
Craig
Craig Johnston
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4.5/5
Did two dives with them = Canterbury wreck and reef.
Good and helpful staff, good rental equipment. Overall a great diving experience.
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4.0/5
Nice staff, friendly, good safety standards and two absolutely beautiful dive spots for beginners.
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5.0/5
I learned to dive with Craig and his team here four years ago and have gone out diving with them periodically over the past four years.
They are a great team, well organised who really know the area they are diving in. Each dive location we've gone to, whether it be one of the two fantastic wrecks, or one of the many reef sites around the Bay, Craig and his team have made the day great, showing off the local fish life, taking stunning photos and offering advice to any who needed it. Regardless of the weather, the diving is always fantastic and even in the winter the water is blue and clear. I couldn't recommend them highly enough - if you're up in the Far North, this is the company to dive with.
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5.0/5
Had an awesome weekend with the guys at Paihia Dive doing my advanced course.
All the staff and crew were very friendly and obviously love what they're doing. This goes a long way when they have such a passion for diving and their enthusiasm was instantly transfered to everyone of us that joined them. We visited some amazing sites- including the Rainbow Warrior wreck and the HMNZS Canterbury wreck. The Canterbury, still laying perfectly upright on the sea bed, is seriously a site worth visiting, with plenty of penetrating opportunities to see things like the sonar room and the command room and even a couple of giant washing machines!
Stu, my instructor for the weekend was top notch. Couldn't have asked for better. He was laid back enough in his approach, but everything had to be done correctly and safely. Perfect balance! He's also a very good photographer and, as a photographer myself with hardly any underwater photography experience, he had plenty of tips and was very knowledgeable about the latest gear.
Definitely worth visiting this family run dive shop and experience the sites they have on their doorstep.
Hope to visit again if I'm ever back in the area.
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5.0/5
I spent two days diving with Craig and the team at Paihia Dive.
From the moment I walked into the centre I knew this was the place for me.
Day 1 diving on the HMNZS Canterbury and local dive sites. We even went scallop and crayfish hunting.
Day 2 up north to the Rainbow Warrior. A thoroughly pleasant day with lunch on an island.
Definitely two great days diving, and will definitely return next time I'm in Northland.
Thanks Guys!!
Hi Nicoli,
Cheers for the review mate! It was a pleasure taking you diving, we hope to see you back again soon for some more adventures. Craig.
Craig Johnston
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5.0/5
Craig is an expert diving instructor.
It was a long time ago that my husband and I had the opportunity to dive with him. His calm and patient manner was just what I needed as I was feeling very nervous.
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4.0/5
Graig and the team are a fantastic friendly team, offering some very nice dives with amazing fish life.
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5.0/5
The team at Paihia Dive are always friendly, knowledgable and enthusiastic - from the moment of booking right through to signing log books I have always felt looked after and this is why I will always
choose them for diving in the bay.
For all his years of diving Craig hasn't lost a drop of his passion and Lisa is warm and friendly and takes care of shop business.
Many thanks to the rest of the team and look forward to diving again this summer.
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5.0/5
Great Diving with great people!!
Did 4 dives with these guys and they have some great spots to take your to as well as the awesome wreck diving :D
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5.0/5
Craig is a great guy and a great skipper,we had some fantastic dives with him...
and look forward to diving the Warrior again.
Great day out.. highly recommended.
Regards Rob
www.frontlinephotography.co.nz
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5.0/5
They have a world class experience from all aspects - instructors, equipment, safety, customer focus you name it and of course the variety of dive sites, colour, life, shipwrecks and visibility are as
good as it gets. Going back in 2015 for the third time in four years and its a bit of a long haul from Canada!
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5.0/5
Decided to give diving a go whilst travelling in NZ having always been a little terrified of the water.
Stuart and his team were amazing, professional, reassuring, and great fun! In fact, they were so good that I made a special trip back for one last dive before I flew home :)
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5.0/5
What a day.
Wow!
With no shortage of sights to see in the Bay Of Islands Paihia Dive really delivers. Great team with real excitement for diving. Good stuff.
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5.0/5
We did a 6 week stay in Paihia, which actually turned into a 7 week stay thanks to having such a great time with Paihia Dive.
We signed up for our open water certifications and got HOOKED! 7 weeks later, we had 30 dives each including our open water, advanaced open water, efr, rescue, deep, wreck, photography and peak performance buoyancy certifications under our belt. By the end of our stay, we felt like part of the crew. They always find a great Dive site no matter what the weather and on top of that 2 great shipwrecks to dive! We'll miss you Paihia Dive, I'll be back for that Divemaster internship! Mark my words! Still can't believe we accomplished so much in so little time. Thank you Craig, Debbie, Roy, Steve, Jos, Ben, Lewis, Jazz, Caroline, Laura and Lisa! We even made this awesome video diving inside the Canterbury wreck! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvUcA-M5tq8
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4.5/5
I've dived with Craig numerous times and have always been very impressed with his professionalism, knowledge and going the extra mile for his clients.
Highly recommended!
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5.0/5
I did 3 PADI qualifications with Craig and crew and cannot recommend them enough.
It's a great testament to them that they are still providing a amazing diving experience 4 years after i dived with them. If you want a professional 5* diving experience that puts safety first but doesn't hold back on the fun factor than look no further than Paihia dive. Having done scuba diving all over the world these guys are still number 1 in my book. If your contemplating going for a dive with these guys - just do it ! its a absolute no brainer. Thanks again to Craig and Lisa and all the crew -I'll be seeing you again one day guys !
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5.0/5
Don't miss out to dive with Paihia Dive!
Craig and his Team are awesome. From the moment you step into the Diving store till you returning back from your Dives !
My last dive was couple of month ago and a little bit scary to -now- to dive a wreck. But the team took care of me and made sure I felt comfortable. The dives were breath taking and I came up to the surface with a BIG fat smile. I could hug the world after I dived the Rainbow Warrior Wreck . Just O-wesome and if you haven't seen it, Do it. Also don't be shy and ask Craig were the best spot for scallops and crayfishes are...he knows. If you have more time spend a little bit time up north before you start moving on (great candy shop next door).
Thank you to Craig and his team, you make every dive unforgettable ...and you a fun crew too! :-)
I'm looking forward for my next dive with you guys!! (bring on labour weekend ;-)
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HI Vaclav, Thanks for the review. Glad you had a great time diving with us, we hope to see you back for some more fun soon. :-)
Craig Johnston
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4.5/5
VERY nice people, professional guidance.
Patient also on our first deep dive to the Rainbow Warrior. A little bit expensive.
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4.0/5
Went for a whole day dive (2x) to see the Rainbow Warrior.
Very friendly, patient and welcoming professional people. Good equipment, bit on the expensive side though.
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4.5/5
Great instructors and staff.
Made us feel comfortable in the water, since we had not been diving in a while.
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4.5/5
I dove with Paihia Dive HQ 2 days.
Very underrated dive spot, knowledgeable and fun crew. I saw much more diversity of aquatic life than I expected, everything from a John Dory, to a white urchin at the reef dive. The Canterbury wreck was very cool, just starting to become encrusted with life. Good chance of seeing dolphins in the area. Missed seeing the Rainbow Warrior wreck because of the weather. No nitrox available, as with everywhere else in NZ. No snacks, and the paid lunch is quite small, pack your own.
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4.5/5
Diving the Rainbow Warrior was absolutely great!
Thanks a lot to the Team of Dive HQ
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4.5/5
Dive instructor was great, the tours were excellent.
The spirit is really relaxed but they want you to have a good time.
