New Zealand
Paterson Inlet
About this Dive Site
Description
Paterson Inlet on Stewart Island provides a sheltered sanctuary for diverse marine life, from elusive seahorses to intelligent octopuses. Its calm waters and abundant fish species make it an ideal location for both daytime exploration and captivating night dives.
Best Time to Dive
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17°C | 17°C | 16°C | 15°C | 14°C | 13°C | 12°C | 12°C | 13°C | 14°C | 15°C | 16°C |
Peak Season
January, February, November, December
Jan
Summer diving, good for exploring kelp forests and seeing diverse fish species.
Feb
Continued excellent summer diving conditions.
Mar
Water starts to cool, but visibility remains good.
Apr
Autumn colours, marine life still active.
More monthly highlights
May
Water cools, visibility can be variable.
Jun
Winter diving, expect cooler temperatures.
Jul
Coldest month, visibility can be reduced. Potential for seeing larger pelagics if lucky.
Aug
Conditions may start to improve towards the end of the month.
Sep
Spring brings slightly warmer water and better visibility. Marine life becomes more active.
Oct
Good diving conditions with increasing marine activity. Chance of seeing seals.
Nov
Excellent visibility and mild temperatures. Ideal for exploring the rugged coastline.
Dec
Summer diving, warm water and excellent visibility. Abundant fish life and potential for seal encounters.
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