Local Weather Links and Recommendations

Whenever you go out diving the first thing you need to do is to check the weather and sea conditions. Here is a handy set of links that should help you find what you are looking for.

Weather

It is important to look at the general forecast to see what the temperature,rain and cloud cover is going to be like at the dive site.

Rain results in run off and poor visibility
Temperature can affect comfort
Marine Forecast is a good summary of coastal conditions

Dunedin Weather Forecast

Chalmers Marine Forecast

Wind Observations

Wind causes waves, surf, surge, surface currents and upwellings that can affect water temperature and visibility. It is important to have a map of the site that you are planning to dive so that you can see which wind direction will affect you most.

Calm to Light Breeze = 0 - 6 knots
Gentle Breeze to Fresh breeze = 7 - 16 knots
Strong Breeze to High Wind = 22 - 33 knots
Gale to Storm = 34 - 55 knots

Port Otago Observations

Tides

In general, it is always best to dive on a slack high tide. This is when the fresh cleaner water from the sea is coming in and is moving the least in the tide cycle. Be sure to check the closest tide chart to where you are intending to dive. For example, the tides times between St Clair Beach and Aramoana can vary by 15 minutes.

Check the variation between high and low tide. A really big variation (over 2m) can cause really strong currents. This is particularly important at sites like Wellers Rock where the tide moves through a narrow harbour.
Look at the moon phases. A full moon can cause big tides (a big variation between high and low tide).
Observe the time of year. In spring when the moon is inline with the sun this can also increase the variation.
Look out for eddies - currents flowing in the opposite direction to the tide. eg . on the second half of an outgoing tide at Aramoana Mole, the current can actually be flowing back along the breakwater towards the beach.

Port Chalmers Tides

Swell

Swell can have a huge impact on a dive. It can change your entry and exit requirements, the amount of surge and current you will experience and also your general comfort in the water. Having a look at a swell map can give you a good perspective on how certain swell directions are affecting the area you intend to dive.

Swell Height

Boating Info Map

Shipping Information

Otago Harbour is a pretty busy port and our channel is not the widest. If you are diving around the harbour it is always a good idea to check what is happening in the shipping lanes. If you dive at Wellers Rock it is good practice to call The Monarch and let them know there will be divers in the water.

If you intend diving at any of these sites, please avoid arrivals and departures of large vessels.

Taiaroa Head/Harington Point
Otakau Wall
End of Wellers
End of Aramoana Mole
Back Beach

Port Otago Shipping Arrivals and Departures

Web Cameras

There is nothing like just having a look at what is actually happening! These web cams give you a pretty good idea of what the ocean is doing on the south coast and the north coast.

Aramoana

St Clair