Paihia Dive

Paihia Dive Paihia Dive is the Bay of Islands best little dive shop. Dive charters, Training and Retail. Paihia Dive has been taking divers diving since 1978!
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We run daily trips to the wrecks of the Rainbow Warrior and HMNZS Canterbury, also reef sites in the Bay of Islands.

Paihia Dives Fish of The Week; Red Lizardfish, Doak's LizardfishSynodus doaki.Only recently officially recognised and de...
14/06/2026

Paihia Dives Fish of The Week; Red Lizardfish, Doak's Lizardfish
Synodus doaki.

Only recently officially recognised and described in 1979. The Red Lizardfish was named in honour of Wade Doak, who discovered it in the 60's while diving in the Poor Knights. For the uninitiated Doak along with Kelly Tarlton were pioneering divers in New Zealand. Paving the way exploring NZs underwater worlds, at a time when scuba diving was still in its infancy.

A rare sight, the Red Lizardfish is often found on sandy bottoms on the edge of reefs and rocky patches. Sited to found be deeper then 25m. Almost standing pridefully with its head erect in wait for unsuspecting prey. The combination of their camouflage and wide gaping jaws lined with a arrow shaped teeth prime them to be perfect ambush predators.

Descriptions are sparse regarding this fish; sources leading with probabilities and potentials. Showing that not much is actually known about this fish!

We often find these cryptic fish on some of our dive sites, sometimes as shallow as 12m! Try and find one on you next dive with us.

Photos 📸 .r.johnston

I started out filling tanks and washing gear right here at Paihia Dive when I was 15. Fast forward 37 years and about 15...
12/06/2026

I started out filling tanks and washing gear right here at Paihia Dive when I was 15. Fast forward 37 years and about 15,000 dives later, and I’m still here!

A lot has changed in the Bay since then, but our approach to diving hasn't. We don’t do the mass-production, packed-boat thing. For me, it's about small groups, proper briefings, and making sure you actually have a good time out on the water with a team that knows these islands inside out.

I've put together a blog post on how I went from a local kid cleaning gear to taking the helm of the shop. If you want a quick read, the link to the full story is in our bio and I'll share a link in the comments.

https://divenz.com/meet-the-team-craig-johnston/

Paihia Dives Fish of The Week; John Dory, KuparuZeus faber.Here we have an example of if it ain't broke don't fix it! Co...
07/06/2026

Paihia Dives Fish of The Week; John Dory, Kuparu
Zeus faber.

Here we have an example of if it ain't broke don't fix it! Considered to be part of an ancient line of fish that dates back to Late Cretaceous period (100.5 to 66 million years ago), the species Zeus faber that we know today has been found in the Pleistocene ( 2.58 million to 11,700 years ago) fossil record in Italy. Quite literally a living fossil!

John Dory is widely distributed around the world, from the Atlantics, Indian and Pacific Oceans. This compounded with the length of time of humans have known its existence means there are many other names and legends around this fish
Some notable mentions; "Zeus" apparently no relation to the Greek god. However this is widely disputed as earlier names included Piscis jovii ("fish of Jove"). The Māori-language name for the fish, kuparu, appears to be unique to New Zealand, as there are no cognates found in other Polynesian languages.

John Dory feed in an impressive way; armed with a specialised telescopic mouth, it shoots out almost half the length of its body, this creates a large water displacement that sucks in its prey. Their characteristic black dot that is used to confuse their prey.

So next time you see one on a dive with us... or at the fish and chip shop, enjoy the fact that you are seeing an ancient creature!

Photos 📸 .r.johnston

Paihia Dives Fish of The Week; The Porcupinefish, Southern Burrfish, Kōpūtōtara Allomycterus pilatusEqually cuddly and s...
01/06/2026

Paihia Dives Fish of The Week; The Porcupinefish, Southern Burrfish, Kōpūtōtara
Allomycterus pilatus

Equally cuddly and spiky. Porcupinefish are a treat when seen on our dives. It is uncommon to see them out in the open, as they are often found hiding out in crevices or overhangs. Commonly found in the South Tasman Sea. These guys are often mistaken for pufferfish, however they belong to a completely different family, it is also the only known member in its genus.

Porcupine fish have a defense mechanism of inflating up to four times its size, via a process called 'buccal pumping' making them virtually impossible to be consumed by predators. Interestingly enough this process can be initiated both in and out of the water!

come and see if you can find one on your next dive with us!

Photos📸 .r.johnston

Paihia Dives Fish Of The Week; The Mimic Blenny.Plagiotremus TapeinosomaThough unassuming the Mimic Blenny is a master o...
24/05/2026

Paihia Dives Fish Of The Week; The Mimic Blenny.
Plagiotremus Tapeinosoma

Though unassuming the Mimic Blenny is a master of deception; often hiding out among harmless fish (especially schools of Oblique Swimming Triplefins) they lay in wait for their next victim, as a larger fish swim by, fooled by the dance of a cleaner fish the opportunity arises, they make a rapid strike! Taking nips of fins and scales they use their specialised sabre underslung jaws, this leaves characteristic wavy gouges on their victims.

23/05/2026

Who's watching who? Two Red Pigfish dancing in the blue. Craig spotted these two on his last dive outing the Bay of Islands!

17/05/2026

Getting the diving itch? We've got some great days out ahead in the Bay of Islands, so give us a call! There's always someone ready to answer... Even when we're underwater!

Paihia Dives Fish Of The Week; Betty the Dive Boat dog!Canis PaihiadiviesBetty the dive dog, cute, formidable and the be...
17/05/2026

Paihia Dives Fish Of The Week; Betty the Dive Boat dog!
Canis Paihiadivies

Betty the dive dog, cute, formidable and the best top cover in the southern hemisphere. Betty will sometimes join us on the boat and when she does she puts in the work!
she can be found watching Craigs bubbles as he guides on our many reefs. diligently waiting to take his dive logs.
she is often seen feeding on treats and playing with her toys.

14/05/2026

Epic scenes at the HMNZS Canterbury. Kingies chasing Kōheru on the tower.

Congratulations to Luen, Jessica, Lea, Coco and Jasmin on completing their Open Water Course!
13/05/2026

Congratulations to Luen, Jessica, Lea, Coco and Jasmin on completing their Open Water Course!

Address

35 Williams Road
Paihia
0247

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 8am - 5pm
Sunday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+6494027551

Website

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