The ex-HMNZS Canterbury was sunk in Deep Water Cove off Cape Brett in the Bay of Islands on the 3rd of November 2007. Within a week there were Blue cod patrolling the bottom as well as Snapper, Leatherjackets and a female Sandager’s wrasse on the wreck.

Video of ex-HMNZS Canterbury sinking

10 weeks on, an amazing amount of fish life has moved in to colonise the wreck. Some of the species spotted so far are: Porae, Tarakihi (keep your hands off them Mazdak!), Goatfish, Sweep, Spottys, Trevally, Oblique-swimming triplefins, Blue-dot triplefin, Variable triplefins, Common triplefins, Octopus, school of 30-40 small squid, Leatherjackets (some adorable babies too!), Blue cod, tiny shrimp, Hiwihiwi and Banded wrasse.

For those interested in playing on New Zealand’s latest underwater jungle gym, make sure you sign up for one of the club’s trips to the Cowshed Backpackers this year. Of course, you can book in and visit the Cowshed anytime (I do!). This warm water won’t last forever!

Check out the following websites for more photos to fire you up:

www.northlanddive.com

Happy diving,

Ali Perkins

Filed under: Ali Perkins, Diving New Zealand, Trip Reports