There is a lot of value in getting to know New Zealand’s weather. Check out the swell to determine if you’ll need that seasick tablet before a boat ride. Look at the tides to plan a shore dive safely. Is it going to be cold and wet or hot and dry? Knowing all of this information can help you prepare for the conditions and make for a much more enjoyable weekend out diving or snorkeling.

NEVER make your own call on whether a club trip will go ahead based on what you think the weather will do. Boat skippers make the call on whether it is safe for a trip to proceed. If you’re concerned, contact the trip organiser.

Metservice
http://www.metservice.co.nz
New Zealand’s National Meteorological Service.

Swellmap
http://www.swellmap.com
Free 24 hour and 7 day swell forecasts. Check out wave heights and wind speeds and directions.

MetVUW
http://www.metvuw.com
Click on Forecast Charts and you can view charts that show the surface wind speed (knots) and 6-hour accumulated rainfall (milimetres) for the next 7 days. Of course reliability declines with the length of the forecast so be wary of taking the seven day forecasts literally but it can give you some idea of what to expect if you’re planning on heading diving next weekend.

Tide Times
http://www.metservice.co.nz/default/index.php?alias=nzmarine
Find out when high tide is for diving under your local jetty! You can also view recreational marine forecasts here.