Conditions & tides
Scored by DiveConnect's site-physics model
Marine forecast via Copernicus Marine. Score is a rule-based guide from swell/wind vs. the site's exposure — always dive your own assessment.
Dived here today? How were conditions vs. what we showed?
About this site
Lion Rock offers dramatic underwater terrain with steep walls and rocky pinnacles. Schools of trevally and kingfish swirl around the structure, while crayfish hide in crevices. Strong currents attract pelagic species, making it ideal for advanced divers. Visibility often exceeds 20 meters, revealing vibrant sponge and kelp growth. The site sits at the meeting point of the Pacific and Tasman Sea, creating dynamic conditions. Depths range from 10 to 40 meters, with occasional sightings of dolphins and seals.
Marine life here
Confirmed by our research team, reported by independent divers, or observed nearby via iNaturalist — each entry is labelled with its source.
Shortfin MakoIsurus oxyrinchusReported here · unconfirmed
Southern Rock LobsterJasus edwardsiiReported here · unconfirmed
New Zealand Common Cushion StarPatiriella regularisReported here · unconfirmed
Purple Rock CrabLeptograpsus variegatusReported here · unconfirmed
Snakeskin ChitonSypharochiton pelliserpentisReported here · unconfirmed
Durable tips from divers — access, hazards, marine life, facilities. For day-of conditions, use the report tool in the conditions card above.
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