Waikawa Dive Centre sits at Rear Unit 2, Waikawa Marina, Waikawa Bay, Picton, and holds a 5.0 rating from 10 Google reviews. The shop is open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm, with a full retail shop, tank fills and dive gear hire.
Diving Queen Charlotte Sound means cold water — 13 to 18 degrees Celsius — so a warm wetsuit matters, and 7 mm two-piece suits are the sensible choice for these conditions. The sound's 40-plus kilometres of coastline is dotted with little bays, and little blue penguins, dolphins, seals and seabirds are often seen on the way out. Marine weather is its own beast: rain doesn't spoil a dive, while a sunny day can still bring a rough sea. Trips depend on minimum numbers, so booking ahead pays.
Snorkellers and non-diving companions are welcome, gift vouchers make an easy present for outdoorsy friends, and cruise ship visitors can arrange pickup and drop-off from this marina at the top of the South Island.