July – Aug Trip Schedule

18^th July Scallop Dive

25^th July Mikhail Lermontov

1^st Aug Twin Wrecks – Scallop Dive

8^th Aug Free Dive

15^th Aug Scallop Dive

22^nd Aug Cray Dive-Outer Sounds

29^th Aug Kaikoura Coast
Please contact us for more information. bdc@xtra.co.nz

"Team Picasso" Bryan, Tai and David with some good crays from freediving.

Wreck Dives

Mikhail Lermontov

Above, an absolute u beaut day at the Lermontov !

The Mikhail Lermontov sank in Port Gore on the 16th February 1986 and is New Zealand's biggest diveable shipwreck. This Russian cruise liner is reputed to be one of the best wreck dives in the world by many avid European wreck divers.

The ship is lying on its starboard side in 36 metres. The upper port side is 14 metres and covered with many types of marine flora and fauna therefore allowing even novice divers the chance to dive this magnificent ship. Dive along the corridors looking into the cabins. Visit the Bolshei Lounge or dive through the bridge. Go up to the top of the mast and along to the funnel. For more advanced divers, check out the gashes that sent her to the bottom or see the size of the propellor.

For the really adventurist divers with the relevant experience, do some of our penetration dives. For instance, come with us to the engine room. The entry point is through vents which are 8 levels above the engines and you are in total darkness, just your torch for light. This is one incredible dive. Seeing the engines that once drove this magnificent ocean liner is truly awe inspiring !

Discover the mysteries of this 20,000 tonne, 176 metre vessel. One of the worlds best wreck dives !

How about a dive into the swimming pool (which is still full of water) believe it or not ! And visit the pool bar, sit on the bar stools, see all the tinnies (beer cans) that got left behind (still alot there because most are Australian). Another fantastic dive !

If you are eanx/nitrox certified then the Lermontov is great for that being in the right depth range and therefore allowing more bottom time for your dive. Just let us know as we have a nitrox filling facility.

If you want to make the dives into one of your wreck or deep specialties, just let us know and we will also arrange that. Don't forget to ask for either of the above !

Bryan at Blenheim Dive Centre is the only local operator that has been diving the Mikhail Lermontov for all of its sunken life so for enjoyment, safety, experience and professionalism, join him for your wreck diving !

Our contact information phone 0064 3 5780331 or bdc@xtra.co.nz at 9 Scott Street Blenheim.

One of the many seahorse's on the ML !

The gem of New Zealand wreck diving. This Russian Cruise liner is the largest natural wreck in New Zealand. Discover the mysteries of this 20,000 tonne, 176 metre vessel which sunk on the 16^th February 1986. See the gashes that caused her sinking after hitting the reef as she passed between Cape Jackson lighthouse and the mainland. Dive the giant propellers or survey the now empty bars and restaurant of this first class cruise liner. The upper reaches of the liner are at 14 metres and now covered with many types of marine flora and fauna. Check out our trip schedule to see when its coming up !

The “Twin Wrecks” Dive

These are two great wreck dives suitable for all experience levels.

Situated in the inner Queen Charlotte Sound.

The Koi: A twin screw steamer of 53 tonnes built in 1906 which sunk at her mooring in March 1940. This vessel lies in only 12 metres of water. Having now been down for over 60 years.

The “Vara”. This launch is situated in 14 metres of water off Karaka Point. After falling off its cradle at a local shipyard and splitting her side she was towed to Karaka Point and scuttled in May 1986 to form an artificial reef. Boris a very friendly conger eel can be visited. Crayfish also call this vessel home.

Rangitoto & Lastingham

Two old sailing ships which sunk off Cape Jackson in 1873 & 1884. Both these vessels are now placed under the Historic places trust and are look but no touch dives.