Abundant Marine Life
Whangarei, an area located in the northern half of the North Island of New Zealand, is well-known for its abundance of marine life. Whether you’re an avid scuba diver or looking to explore the waters with a snorkel, you’ll find plenty of vibrant and diverse species to admire. Here are some of the best lakes in Whangarei for scuba diving and snorkeling:
Tikipunga Lakes
Tikipunga Lakes are located in the central area of Whangarei and are considered to be the best lakes in the region for scuba diving and snorkeling. The lakes have three different types of marine life:
- Mollusks, such as mussels, limpet, and squid
- Fish, such as carp, eels, and redfin perch
- Crustaceans, such as crayfish, shrimps, and crabs
These lakes are also home to a variety of underwater plants, such as algae, water lilies, and mangroves. It’s here that you’ll find an exceptional variety of species that can’t be seen anywhere else in Whangarei.
Maunu Lakes
The Maunu Lakes are situated just to the north of Whangarei and are known for their crystal clear waters. They are also home to a variety of marine life, such as:
- Mollusks, such as mussels, oysters, and snails
- Fish, such as bass, perch, and catfish
- Crustaceans, such as shrimp and crabs
The lakes also contain plenty of underwater plants, such as seaweed and sea grass beds. These provide the perfect habitat for a variety of marine life, making Maunu Lakes a great spot for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Whau Valley Lakes
Whau Valley Lakes are situated to the south of Whangarei and are known for their picturesque scenery. It’s here that you’ll encounter a variety of marine life, such as:
- Mollusks, such as mussels, oysters, and snails
- Fish, such as trout, perch, and catfish
- Crustaceans, such as shrimp and crayfish
The lakes also contain plenty of underwater plants, such as seagrasses, seaweeds, and mangroves. These provide a rich habitat for the marine life, making Whau Valley Lakes the perfect spot for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Safety Considerations
Of course, before you consider going scuba diving or snorkeling in Whangarei, it’s important to take into account the safety and environmental considerations.
Be sure to wear a life jacket while scuba diving or snorkeling. This will help to keep you afloat should you get tired, and will also provide you with extra buoyancy while swimming. It’s also important to note that certain areas of Whangarei’s lakes may be subject to strong currents, so be sure to be aware of this before entering the water.
It’s also important to be respectful of the environment and the marine life. Be sure not to touch, feed, or disturb any of the species you encounter. Be sure to use biodegradable sunscreen and keep your dives as short as possible to minimize your impact.
Conclusion
Whangarei is a great spot for scuba diving and snorkeling, with plenty of diverse marine life to admire. The Tikipunga, Maunu, and Whau Valley Lakes are some of the best spots for underwater exploration, with a variety of species of mollusks, fish, and crustaceans.
Before you go scuba diving or snorkeling in Whangarei, however, it’s important to take into consideration the safety and environmental considerations. Be sure to wear a life jacket, be respectful of the environment, and use biodegradable sunscreen whenever possible.
With these safety measures in place, you can be sure that your underwater exploration in Whangarei will be a memorable and enjoyable experience.