Is New Zealand the most underrated place to dive with great white sharks? I think it might be! I want to introduce to you a place you’ve probably never heard of: Bluff, New Zealand. Bluff is literally the most southern part of the South Island of New Zealand.
There, you’ll find a great white shark tour operator that takes adventure seekers like myself to a place just off of Stewart Island, where giant great white sharks roam the ocean.
Have you ever wanted to go shark cage diving with a great white shark? I’ve always been drawn to unique, immersive underwater experiences. Shark cage diving in New Zealand allowed me to get up close and personal with one of nature’s most magnificent creatures. Nothing could have prepared me for the awe-inspiring experience of cage diving with great white sharks in Bluff, New Zealand.
In this article, I’ll share all the details of my incredible shark cage diving adventure. I’ll include what to expect, how to prepare, and why it’s a bucket list experience. Let’s go shark cage diving!
WHERE CAN I GO SHARK CAGE DIVING IN NEW ZEALAND?
Stewart Island can be found at the southern tip of New Zealand’s South Island and is home to many shark species, including great whites, bronze whalers, and even giant squid. The waters off Stewart Island are known for their clarity, meaning you can enjoy crystal-clear views of the great white sharks as they swim around the shark cage.
The best time to visit Bluff to see sharks starts in the spring when the water is warmer, and the great white sharks are more active. To get to Stewart Island, you take a ferry, and to get to the ferry, you must first travel to Bluff, New Zealand. Bluff was my favorite town in New Zealand.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SHARK CAGE DIVING IN NEW ZEALAND?
The great white shark season typically runs from December to June in Bluff, New Zealand. SCUBA or a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus is used on this underwater adventure.
The winter months offer the best opportunity to spot these sharks because the waters are colder and attract the seals, the sharks’ primary food source.
December through June are the peak months to see these magnificent creatures because they come closer to shore and in more significant numbers. The more prominent female great whites are most plentiful from March through June.
THE WEATHER IN THE FOVEAUX STRAIGHT, BLUFF AND STEWART ISLAND
When choosing your shark cage dive location, it’s essential to consider the weather. Summer in New Zealand is from December to February, and there’s typically more rain, wind, and choppy waters during this time. Winter months are drier, calmer, and have more stable water conditions for shark diving.
But keep in mind that the water temperature can dip to around ten degrees Celsius during the winter months, so it’s essential to have a proper wetsuit.
IS IT LEGAL TO GO SHARK CAGE DIVING IN NEW ZEALAND?
To begin with, it’s legal to go cage shark diving with great white sharks in New Zealand! The country has a well-regulated shark diving industry that ensures the safety of both tourists and marine life.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) has guidelines that shark tour operators need to follow, such as using chum to attract sharks only in designated areas and not feeding them by hand. Tourists are also not allowed to touch or provoke the sharks in any way.
Furthermore, the operators need to obtain permits from the DOC to operate cage shark diving tours. The tour operators must comply with all the DOC guidelines and regulations to obtain these permits. The DOC oversees the industry and regularly inspects the operators to ensure they adhere to the guidelines.
IS IT SAFE TO GO GREAT WHITE SHARK CAGE DIVING IN NEW ZEALAND? IS SHARK CAGE DIVING DANGEROUS?
Regarding safety concerns, the operation is strictly regulated, and the tour providers always prioritize safety. Before leaving the shore, you will receive a briefing on what to expect, what gear to use, and what not to do when cage diving with great white sharks.
You will also be taught how to behave in the presence of the great white sharks while shark diving to minimize risks. Once you are out at sea, your guide will monitor the water and decide when it’s safe to go into the water. You are not alone with the great white sharks; someone is always watching you from the boat. Don’t forget your GoPro!
First, let’s address the elephant in the room: Great White Sharks. They are undoubtedly one of the most feared creatures on the planet, with a reputation for their strength, speed, and deadly jaws.
However, cage shark diving in New Zealand is a guided experience, and the operators take all necessary safety precautions to ensure your safety. Typically, the shark cage is lowered into the ocean and secured to the boat before anyone enters.
Once in the shark cage, you will be given instructions on what to do and what not to do, so listening carefully and following the guidelines is essential.
HOW TO PREPARE TO CAGE DIVE WITH GREAT WHITE SHARKS IN BLUFF, NEW ZEALAND
Before embarking on your New Zealand shark diving adventure, it’s important to mentally and physically prepare. Great white shark cage diving is physically demanding. You’ll need to be in reasonable shape to handle the demanding conditions of encountering sharks cage diving.
Previous dive experience is recommended, but not required. Shark Experience NZ can teach new comers to diving as well as give a refresher course to former divers. You’ll need to be strong enough to walk in a wetsuit with a weight belt on.
One of the biggest challenges is staying mentally focused doing underwater breathing through SCUBA.
Invest in a sturdy wetsuit and gloves to protect you from the cold, deep waters (the tour operator in Bluff provides this scuba gear). Mentally, keep an open mind and prepare to face your fears.
Great white sharks are some of the most feared predators in the ocean. However they’re also incredibly majestic and awe-inspiring creatures that are magnificent to behold.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO CAGE DIVING WITH GREAT WHITE SHARKS NEAR STEWART ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND?
The cost of a cage shark diving trip with great white sharks varies. Cost fluctuated regionally depending on your chosen operator, location, and trip duration. On average, you can expect to pay between NZD 550 and NZD 599 for a full-day trip out of Bluff.
The more expensive options provides one on one instruction by a scuba lead on the shark boat.
For a full-day trip through Shark Experience NZ, the boat departs at 7 am and returns by 5 pm.
ADDITIONAL COSTS TO GO NEW ZEALAND SHARK DIVING
In addition to the cost going New Zealand shark diving, you may also have to factor in additional expenses. Such expenses included transport to the location, accommodations, and food.
If you’re traveling from overseas, you may also need to budget for visa fees and travel insurance. Investigating these additional costs when planning your cage shark diving trip is essential to ensure you stay within your budget.
WHAT TO BRING SHARK CAGE DIVING IN NEW ZEALAND
- Towel to dry off with
- Travel backpack
- Sunscreen
- Change of clothes
- Snacks/food, water, etc.
- Money for gratuity
- GoPro or other underwater camera (this is essential)
- Backup batteries for GoPro
CAGE DIVING EQUIPMENT RENTAL
Most cage shark diving operators provide all the necessary equipment. Shark cage diving equipment includes wetsuits, masks, and snorkels, as part of the package.
However, some shark cage diving operators may charge extra for equipment rental in other locations. Therefore, if you’re not going shark cage diving out of Bluff, inquire before booking a trip.
Shark Experience NZ provides all equipment for its customers. You can rent photography equipment from them, such as GoPro or Kodak underwater cameras. One of the best things you can do is to bring your own GoPro on your shark diving experience. When you encounter great white sharks cage diving, you’ll have countless photo and video opportunities.
TIPS AND GRATUITY
Tipping is not mandatory in New Zealand. However, it is customary to tip 10% to 15% of the total cost of the trip as a gratuity to the guide and crew.
This is a way of showing appreciation for their hard work and professionalism. It would help to consider this additional expense when budgeting for your cage shark diving trip. The shark diving crew on my shark trip was exceptional. The men and women provided clear masks, and step by step instruction on scuba gear use.
AM I GUARANTEED TO SEE GREAT WHITE SHARKS IN NEW ZEALAND?
First, let’s address the question on everyone’s mind. Am I guaranteed to see sharks? The short answer is no. As much as we’d like to believe that sharks are always present in a specific location, they are not. Great white sharks are wild creatures that move around unpredictably.
That said, the chances of seeing great whites in particular areas are higher than in others. New Zealand is known for being a prime location to spot these incredible creatures. This makes New Zealand a popular destination for cage shark diving. In my opinion, Bluff, New Zealand is the most underrated location to see great white sharks.
Stewart Island, located south of the New Zealand mainland, has a 95% chance of shark spotting from December through June. The local operator has a “return trip voucher” should you not see a shark (which would be rare). This offer allows you to return on another trip if you do not see a shark. That’s a great deal!
ENTERING THE SHARK DIVE CAGE
The excitement and anticipation were palpable once I was onboard the shark cage. As I eagerly waited for my first shark encounter, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder. I was in awe as I gazed out into the crystal-clear waters off the coast of Stewart Island, New Zealand.
When the first great white shark appeared, everything around me seemed to stand still. This was the moment I had been waiting for. Watching these incredible creatures up close is an experience that cannot be put into words; it’s simply awe-inspiring.
ENCOUNTERING GREAT WHITES
Cage diving with great white sharks in Bluff, New Zealand, is like no other wildlife experience. It’s an activity that requires a deep respect for these creatures. I also gained a greater appreciation for a shark’s sheer power. The operator’s commitment to conservation and education was outstanding.
With each shark that appeared, my heart pounded with excitement and fear. I was in awe of their size, strength, and agility. Despite the initial fear, I felt incredibly safe inside the cage. The thrill of being mere inches away from these magnificent underwater creatures was an experience I will never forget.
OTHER ADVENTURES IN NEW ZEALAND
LEARNING ABOUT SHARK CONSERVATION
One of the most valuable aspects of cage diving with great white sharks was the emphasis on conservation. The education Captain Mike of Shark Experience NZ provided was priceless and informative.
He focused on the importance of great white sharks in the ecosystem. Furthermore, he discussed tagging and other methods of research being done to learn more about great whites.
Throughout my shark cage diving journey, I learned about the crucial role of great white sharks in our ecosystem. I also learned how important it is to protect these incredible creatures for future generations.
Cage diving experiences like this can help shift the narrative from fear and misunderstanding to respect and appreciation.
HOW TO GET TO BLUFF AND STEWART ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND
- Several airlines can get you to New Zealand, including Delta, Air New Zealand, United Airlines and America Airlines
- Fly into Auckland or Christchurch
- Take a flight from Auckland or Christchurch to Queenstown
- Rent a vehicle in Queenstown and drive to Bluff (the ride is gorgeous in itself: see sheep, stag and numerous mountain ranges along the way)
- End in Bluff where you’ll find your tour operator to see great white sharks off the coast of New Zealand
EPIC, ONCE IN A LIFETIME UNDERWATER SHARK ENCOUNTER
Traveling to Bluff, New Zealand, to cage dive with great white sharks was one of the most profound experiences. It’s an experience that combines the thrill of adventure with the awe-inspiring and emotional connection to wildlife.
Whether facing your fears or seeking an unforgettable experience, cage diving with great white sharks near Stewart Island, New Zealand should be at the top of your bucket list.
