New Zealand Oceanic Manta Expedition

The Tutukaka Coast is one of New Zealand's most stunning coastal regions, rated as one of the top coastal destinations on the planet by National Geographic Traveller! Within the coastline, you will find white sandy beaches, secluded bays and emerald headlands, each one with its own rhythm and beauty. Tutukaka is a place where conservation and adventure come together; where every dive, every wave, and every sunset remind you about why we dive at all.

It also serves as a gateway to the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve - rated one of the top 10 best dive sites in the world; and other breathtaking offshore islands and wildlife refuges that we will get to visit! These islands support a rich ecosystem full of marine life, including stingrays, tropical fish, the occasional sunfish, turtle, whale shark and, of course, the elusive oceanic manta rays. Over 125 species of fish share this environment with soft corals, encrusting sponges, vibrant anemones, ecklonia kelp forests, gorgonian fans and myriad other life forms. Think: explosions of colour and life above and below the surface, cathedrals of light, underwater arches, caves and tunnels, surrounded by an incredible mix of temperate and subtropical marine species thanks to the warm, nutrient-rich currents that bring in these incredible and rare species that can't be found anywhere else in New Zealand!

On land:

A true sanctuary for ocean-loving women. Think: expansive ocean views, a private path leading straight down to the beach for those spontaneous morning dips and golden sunsets to wrap up every salty day together. Located just minutes from Tutukaka’s best cafés and restuarants, beaches and more. This space gives us the best of both worlds - the ocean on our doorstep, and a touch of luxury to come home to!

**Note: You have the option to stay in either a shared bunk room or a private queen room (please note that a private queen room costs slightly extra and is subject to availability).

On ocean:

For the second half of our journey, we trade land for life on the ocean - a private liveaboard vessel that becomes our floating home among the islands. You'll be staying in shared bunk rooms on a liveaboard designed for comfort, connection, and adventure. Picture watching the sunrise over the Poor Knights, or using their dive lift (talk about luxary!) to get in the water with Oceanic Manta Rays! Between dives, you’ll have plenty of space to stretch out - two indoor lounges for relaxing, plus a spacious outdoor deck perfect for soaking up the sun, a freshwater shower and hot drinks on tap.

Oceanic manta rays are the largest ray species on the planet, reaching wingspans of up to 7 meters, (that's wider than a London double decker bus is tall!), compared to their more well known cousins, the reef manta, which typically reach 3 meters wide. They are highly intelligent, with the largest brain-to-body ratio of any fish, capable of complex social behaviours, long-term memory, curiosity and recognition, making encounters with these gentle giants often incredibly interactive!

New Zealand is one of the very few places in the world where true oceanic mantas are seen this far south; and with their global numbers categorizing them as an endangered species, encounters are rare, special and scientifically significant.

Without a doubt, oceanic mantas rays are one of the hardest species to study. As far as manta rays go, these guys tend to be much more elusive than their smaller, warm water cousins- the reef mantas. Oceanic mantas do visit shallow reefs but are more likely to hang out in deeper water, further offshore in association with offshore islands and continental shelves. Although we can never gaurentee encounters with oceanic manta due to the nature of nature- we are super thankful to have a Manta ray expert to increase our chances by taking us to hotspots, at times her research has shown is the most likely!

Each manta has its own unique spot pattern, like a fingerprint, allowing researchers like Lydia from Manta Watch NZ to identify individuals and track where they travel (something we will get to do hands on if we come across one on our trip!). They can live over 50 years, migrate thousands of kilometres across entire ocean basins, and only give birth to one pup every 2–5 years, which is why every sighting matters for conservation and why ethical research is so important.

Aotearoa is a frontier zone for manta science - we are still discovering who they are, where they go, and why they appear here. The islands we’ll explore together are part of this unfolding story, where warm, nutrient-rich currents meet complex underwater architecture, creating a rare environment where tropical species and temperate species mix in ways found almost nowhere else. This trip gives you the chance to experience these gentle giants in the wild, contribute directly to real research, and witness a species that has captured the imagination of divers around the world - all right here in New Zealand!

Ever dreamed of exploring the ocean on a single breath? This is your chance to discover the freedom of freediving, or just advance your snorkeling skills! No pressure, no competition, just connection.

Led by Sacha Williamson, New Zealand’s first female Freedive Instructor Trainer and founder of Freedive Aotearoa, this one-day introduction is designed to help you unlock your natural ability underwater - safely, calmly, and joyfully.

No experience needed. No need to chase numbers or depths (we won't be going deeper than 9m, or you can stay in the shallows if you wish). Just you, your breath, and the ocean.

Together, we'll learn:

• Breath-hold techniques that help you find stillness and extend your time underwater
  
• Equalisation and safety skills so you feel comfortable and confident at every depth
  
• Duck-diving and line practice to glide effortlessly below the surface
  
• Gear tips and dive site wisdom to help you understand conditions and dive with awareness
  

You’ll finish the day with a Basic Freediver Certification - and more importantly, a newfound sense of peace and trust in your body in the water.

Whether you’re here to connect deeper with the ocean, improve your confidence in the sea (and be manta swim ready!), or start your freediving journey - this experience is all about freedom, not performance.

This trip is packed with experiences to make every moment unforgettable. You’ll take part in a sunrise yoga session to start the day grounded and energized, enjoy skills workshops and empowerment activities designed to boost your confidence, and explore the stunning Tutukaka coastline. On the water, there's opportunity for you to kayak, boogie board, or take unlimited swims straight from our easy-access beaches or boat.

Throughout the trip, you’ll have the opportunity to capture incredible memories, with guidance on underwater and above-water photography, plus access to professional-quality shots through Brit's epic underwater camera set up. Small group ratios ensure personalized attention and support, creating a safe, fun, and community-focused environment where you can connect with like-minded women.

Every day is designed to balance adventure, learning, wellness, and connection, leaving you with new skills, unforgettable experiences, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Fuel your adventure with delicious, healthy meals prepared for you throughout the trip (apart from one group dinner out). Every meal is designed to energize your body and mind for diving, exploring, and all the amazing activities we have planned. We’re happy to cater to individual dietary needs, so you can relax, enjoy, and focus on making the most of every moment with your fellow ocean-loving adventurers.