Warmer waters and crystal clear visibility, combined with a colourful and abundant marine life make for a dream collection of diving possibilities across the region, whether you’re an experienced diver or a complete novice.

Northland’s Poor Knights marine reserve on the slopes of an erupted volcano was named one of the top 10 dive sites in the world by the legendary Jacques Cousteau. Among New Zealand’s other diving highlights are the sheltered waters and innumerable reefs in the Bay of Islands, the dramatic fiords and black coral colonies of Fiordland, the kelp forests and huge paua (abalone) off Stewart Island and of course Northland’s “Rainbow Warrior” wreck, now beautifully coated with jewel anemones, sponges and schooling fish.

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef heads the list of ‘must do’s’ for nearly every diver. The technicolour reward of nearly 400 species of corals and 2000 species of fish, lies beside the opportunity to see giant clam gardens, hand feed huge potato cod and swim peacefully with rays, turtles and dolphins.

However, Australia’s list of underwater treasures is long and varied. The Ningaloo Reef, stretching out from Western Australia’s sandy shores offers the opportunity to swim with the friendly giant Whale Sharks (March-June).

Alternatively, take the plunge in Tasmania’s cooler waters to explore giant kelp forests, or submerge yourself in a cage with the Great White Sharks off South Australia and watch Great Southern whales in their breeding ground.

Even before you have touched down in the islands of the Pacific, it is easy to appreciate their stunning dives, looking down at the jade and turquoise tones of the lagoons and a tangle of reefs that surround nearly every island.

In addition to these idyllic conditions, the islands offer a number of diving highlights. The famously accessible shark dives in Rangiroa, French Polynesia where barracuda and turtles swim alongside rays and dolphins year-round.

Fiji’s Rainbow Reef off Tavenui, stretches more than 30km and gives the rare opportunity to see so many creatures of the deep in just 5m of water. The fascinating canyons and caves off the Cook Islands, the rising of the Palolo worms from the Samoan coral and the spectacular shipwrecks off Tonga are just a few of the highlights.