Lastingham

Rangitoto

Koi

Wrecks in the Marlborough Sounds

We are loaded on the ferry and ready to go! Cast off and pray for a smooth crossing. We are on our way to dive the Marlborough Sounds and participate in a fantastic wreck adventure looking at the historic shipwrecks "Koi" 1940, "Lastinham" 1884, "Rangitoto" 1873 and "Vara". We look forward to a shimmering sea and a field of dancing Dolphins - once we saw a whale sound in the distance!

We transfer to a fast dive boat at Picton and head for the wrecks. We have a choice of wrecks and for those completing their PADI Wreck Specialty, some tasks to complete over the two days. Underwater terrain is great, the water clear and fish life abundant. We brief on each wreck before the dive so we all know a little about the history and points of interest. Both the Rangitoto and the Lastinham are exposed on the Cape Jackson peninsula. Maybe today we will see a plate off the Lastingham. She carried crockery for the Wellington/Manawatu Railway Company!

We dont forget the rules though - do not penetrate the wrecks unless directly supervised by a qualified PADI Wreck Diving Instructor. None of the wrecks are deep although the area around the Lastingham slopes off real fast! Bottom times, depths and air consumption are all carefully monitored. Play by the rules and live to dive the wrecks another day.

We will stay in one of the resorts in the Sounds. These are historic wrecks as they are over 60 years old, as such we can't take souvenirs but a camera is a must. By arrangement we can offer the PADI Wreck Diver or Instructor Specialty rating.

Lermontov in Wellington

Bolshoi Lounge

Engine Room

Mikhail Lermontov

Mystery still surrounds the sinking of this Russian cruise liner. She is a huge ship wreck lying in a comfortable 15m to the top and about 40m at the mud line. She lies in Port Gore on her starboard side and has something for everyone. Sea life festoons her and there are plenty of dark openings beckoning. Unfortunately, divers have died exploring her and any dive must be carefully planned. Safety is paramount.

We get to her from Picton by fast dive boat and overnight in the resorts located in the Marlborough Sounds. Organising a trip requires a few days and diving her is weather dependant. If you are a technical diver, this is the wreck for you. You may wish to dive the wreck as part of your TDI programme. We have Nitrox/Enriched Air and Trimix available for qualified divers.