Mahurangi Island

Mahurangi Island is a small island off Hahei in the Mercury Bay area of New Zealand, with several dives on its shores. The south side holds Spectacle Reef, which is outside the marine reserve, and Russ's Ravine, which adjoins Te Tio Island.

Spectacle Reef is a shallow start heading south, navigated out and back at 18 to 20 m in clear water. It has Jason's nudibranch, colourful sponges and a huge variety of fish, which makes it a top photographic spot.

Russ's Ravine has a large swim-through at around 28 m, with walls covered in colourful jewel anemones and a pinnacle that rises to 5 m. Resident fish include big marble fish and demoiselles, and schooling fish are drawn to the pinnacles. Leatherjackets and black angelfish live in the shallows. The bay is very sheltered from north and west winds, and there is ample room to spend the whole dive in less than 18 m. It is a good dive for anyone who likes wall diving.