TRIP INFORMATION

First up : (This is important for overseas's trained divers). You will be required to fill out a medical form prior to going on any of our trips. The form can be found here. As you will only be diving with us rather than training it does not need a doctor to sign it unless you answer yes to some of the medical conditions. If you do answer yes please contact us before booking on a trip. Please be honest. This does not apply to NZ trained divers as it is a requirement to obtain a doctors cert before training.

We at Orakei Dive shop are committed to bringing our customers the best we can in all our services including of course, our dive trips. Most of our trips are run on registered charter boats as sole charters. This means we are responsible from beginning to end. One of our instructors or dive masters is always in charge and they will decide on the day, with the skippers input, as to dive sites, order of dives and buddy you up. The trip leaders job is to ensure everyone gets what they want (but you do have to catch your own crayfish).

Dive sites usually depend on the weather and what is going to be the most comfortable for all concerned. For the more experienced we may drop you on a pin or drop off first. While you're down the newer divers can kit up for their first dive that may be at a less demanding site. After the first divers return the second group will do their dive. After that all dives will be at sites suitable for everyone i.e.: shallow and safe. By organizing the dive trips like this both experienced and novice divers get the dives they want rather than the least experienced diver setting the standard. Also one little note for the experienced diver as a paying customer we buddy you up with a diver of similar skill levels, it is the trip leaders job to look after new divers.

New divers need not worry about finding a buddy as they can dive with the trip leader or we'll buddy you up with someone whose skill levels match yours. We'll also organize the dive sites to suit your particular level. You won't be pressured to dive on sites you don't feel your skills are up to.

The price of day trips is usually the boat only. We can try to organize transport with another diver (you may have to chip in petrol money). Gear hire is extra and you will need to bring food for day trips. Trips running over night or longer usually include food and air fills but it pays to check, you will need a sleeping bag and maybe pillows. We will need to see valid proof of having completed a dive course. If you haven't been diving for some time check with us about doing a refresher course first. They are cheap and may save a lot of problems later.

As for payment a deposit is required at time of booking with the balance due at least one week prior to the trip leaving. Refunds are only given if the trip is canceled or we find someone to take your place.

Most trips leave in the morning. From central Auckland count on 3 hours drive to Tutukaka, 2 hours to Tairua and 1.5 hours to Leigh or Omaha. This will give you plenty of time