News
That Big Question about Shark Cage Diving: Is Shark Cage Diving legal in New Zealand?
Answer: Yes.
The Wildlife Act 1953 was put under the microscope following a court case where a commercial dive/fishing group took the Department of Conservation to court over water safety matters. The legal action and interpretation of this old bit of legislation meant that our industry had to change how it operated - so we did.
All Cage Diving Tours conducted by Shark Experience between September 2018 and October 2019 were done so without Incentive Baits for the purpose of enticing sharks. As it worked out... .... Mother Nature amazed us with a 94% sighting rate for the 2018/2019 season. Curiosity and a wee bit of patience was meant everyday was different.
On the 11th October 2019.. .the Supreme Court of New Zealand made a decision that changed all of that again. Shark Experience fought that battle, financed that battle and did so with conservation and sensible tourism in mind. Shark Experience will continue to operate with the original industry Code of Practice in place.
There are some older and very out of date websites out there that are yet to be updated.... so if you have any questions - just call! Phone: + 64 3 212 7112
23 Mar 2020
The Goods News? Despite the weather, we had a lovely 2 hour session with a very friendly Great White today.
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17 Mar 2020
We appreciate and value our manuhiri, and we wish them all safe travels home. For those who live in this beautiful place, it...
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12 Mar 2020
Since we saw this guy on Day 1, we have had 92 Great White sightings... and only 12 of those beautiful faces we have seen bef...
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02 Mar 2020
The crazy filter effect of a sunny day on the Strait. This guy from Saturday was majestic #nofilter #shark #graceful #shar...
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16 Feb 2020
Daily Update: Cyclone? Not here! The Southern Isle and another group of Shark Lovers heading out to meet some locals
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03 Feb 2020
Shark Cage Diving Question #14: What time do the sharks turn up?
Answer: Whenever they want! There is no rhyme or reason as ...
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25 Jan 2020
Great White, Motunui Island, Foveaux Strait.
This amazing image was taken by Mike Cootes, one of our favourite shark loving ...
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21 Jan 2020
A proposal, two Great Whites and a calm passage home, who could ask for a better day!
#sharks #shesaidyes #sharkexperiencebl...
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06 Jan 2020
Day 7 of the new year and we finally have a calm start to the day! #sharkcagedive #calmseas #whereissummer #bluffnz #southla...
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03 Jan 2020
Did you have too much to eat over the holiday season? This guy did! #sharks #greatwhite #tummy #toomuchfood #sharkexperienc...
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23 Dec 2019
Day 9: A new day, a new face and another great reason to tackle the Foveaux Strait! This exceptional looking young man spen...
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20 Dec 2019
We have some pretty unique sharks in our neck of the world and this little guy is no exception! He’s part of our mission to r...
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10 Dec 2019
This magnificent guy is back again! His distinctive scars make him an easy character to recognise, he's just a wee bit bigge...
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10 Dec 2019
Its a hot topic in our industry at the moment, so lets talk about the Cage. What we do has to be safe - for humans and shark...
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07 Dec 2019
Day 2- its so awesome to see this beautiful face again! Every year the crew hang out for familiar faces and this happy guy t...
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07 Dec 2019
Dude of the Day ( Day 1): This fabulous fatty came to play on Day 1 - evidence that our southern food of the sea can leave y...
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07 Dec 2019
Pretty big month for the team at Shark Experience. Reuniting with old crew, welcoming new crew, training, boat prep and getti...
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25 Nov 2019
Our team found an SD Card while cleaning up and getting ready for the season... This guy obviously had an awesome day out but...
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09 Nov 2019
Is it rough? Is it tough? It might be cos its Bluff! If you are after a five star cruise on calm seas and cocktails while...
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11 Oct 2019
The crew at Shark Experience are happy inform the world that Shark Cage Diving with Great Whites is still legal in New Zealan...
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18 Sep 2019
Mako, Blues, Sevengillers and even the wee carpet sharks that hang out on the ocean floor at our Dive spots - one of which is...
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10 Sep 2019
The crew at Shark Experience LOVE sharks.. and we are so thankful that the tide has turned for humans who are now understandi...
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16 Aug 2019
Waiting.. waiting... waiting.. Our crew, and anyone who loves nature, knows that patience is needed while we wait for that m...
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03 Jun 2019
Shark Cage Diving Question #1: Is it still legal??
Answer: Well, the Supreme Court of New Zealand is yet to make its de...
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23 May 2019
The weather gods have spoken! The final Cage Dive for the Bluff season will now be 31st May 2019 . Limited seats available. P...
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14 May 2019
Winter is here! No, we aren’t talking about Game of Thrones and that howling you hear isn’t wolves but some serious Southlan...
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27 Apr 2019
You wouldn’t believe it looking at the weather today, but yesterday was great! Big Congrats to Dave, Ben and Bruce who finall...
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18 Apr 2019
Avoiding a crowded Easter? Come to one of the remotest parts of New Zealand and experience something amazing
#sharks #bigfis...
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11 Apr 2019
Tease Alert! Not a clasper in sight... the GALS ARE BACK IN TOWN!! #bluffnz #sharkexperiencebluff #girlsrock
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14 Feb 2019
Cage Diving Question #16: Do we guarantee seeing sharks?
Answer: Mother Nature rules and we don't get a say! Everyday out at...
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05 Feb 2019
What do Sharks and Motorcycles have in common?
Not much.. but the Boss loves them both! If you are heading to Bluff for the B...
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05 Feb 2019
What do Sharks and Motorcycles have in common?
Not much.. but the Boss loves them both! If you are heading to Bluff for the B...
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29 Jan 2019
Tiddles is a man of many talents - including getting a GoPro to work sideways! Love your work Tiddles! #gopro #notcagediving...
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14 Jan 2019
Videobomb? #fish #photobomb #videobomb #smile #bigfish #sharkexperiencebluff #bluffnz #southlandnz #mustdonz
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08 Jan 2019
Something else to add to your To Do list while in Bluff! #bluffnz #southlandnz #newzealand #thingstodo
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04 Jan 2019
Cage Diving Question #1: Can we still Cage dive in New Zealand?
Answer: Yes. Diving in a Cage is fine ( oh and safe!) ...
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28 Dec 2018
I cant imagine a better way to spend such a beautiful day out on the Strait... or maybe...., #catchandrelease #summer #bluffn...
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15 Dec 2018
Tough day out at sea...Sunny.. no wind...22 degrees.. 11.5 degree water temp... No Makos.. only one Blue Cod caught.. and tho...
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02 Dec 2018
Day 2 of the Season! We are rapt with the calm seas and sun burnt faces of the Foveaux Strait the last few days... but it’s g...
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28 Nov 2018
While we patiently wait for the winds to subside... lets enjoy the natural beauty that is Southland! https://youtu.be/hj1q7...
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04 Oct 2018
Hey Shark Lovers!
Our team are now back in NZ after hanging out with some big fish overseas. While we were away, there was ...
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06 Sep 2018
An oldie but a goodie “Shark cage diving offers tourists the opportunity to view sharks underwater at close range from the sa...
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10 Aug 2018
Shark Cage Diving Question# 291; Do they really get that close? Answer: Yes! Great Whites are curious. They wanna know wh...
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03 Jul 2018
There are many wonderful things happening in the world of conservation.... but there is still so much to do. https://www.do...
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22 Jun 2018
Its time to say goodbye!. The Shark Cage is now stashed away on shore, the crew are off on a well deserved break.. and the G...
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15 Jun 2018
What happens when you put a couple of comedians in a cage. #joshandmearle #sharkcagediving #sharkexperiencebluff #bluff #so...
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05 Jun 2018
Its almost time to say goodbye. There are only three more tours until the end of our Shark Cage Diving season. Its cold, but ...
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03 Jun 2018
Another stunning day in Southland hanging out with Great Whites and some hardy souls! #sharks #sharkcagediving #greatwhite #s...
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31 May 2018
Into a bit of kiwi humour? Check out Josh & Mearle’s adventures while they hung out with us in Bluff!
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24 May 2018
This is Tom. Tom likes Great Whites.
Tom got a Selfie with a Great White when he visited Bluff .
Be like Tom and enter Shar...
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24 May 2018
The tide has turned people! For those that have been resisting, it’s now time to go with the flow #notoplastic #ocean #bottle...
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21 May 2018
2017 Shark Selfie Competition Winner Jimmy and a very cute looking Great White Shark!
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11 May 2018
First day out in over a week due to weather! We met a 4.5m male, two smaller young males and A 5M FEMALE!!!! (Second female o...
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30 Apr 2018
A picture speaks a thousand words... and this picture is not of a pretty shark! Winter has spoken - and she is coming early!...
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27 Apr 2018
OK - We agree! Winton... Invercargill... Gore... you are included too! Our Locals Promotion that started last week has be...
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26 Apr 2018
A stunning day out in the Northern Titi Islands with a great bunch of people... oh - a few Greats Whites too!
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18 Apr 2018
The team at Shark Experience LOVE sharks and we love Southland! Thanks to a collaboration by some local artists we have some ...
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17 Apr 2018
Mother has spoken! and she has said... not today.. not tomorrow..not the next day (?)... maybe next week?!! We have had to c...
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15 Apr 2018
The Big Girls are back! We knew they were around and on Saturday this beauty came to say hello! #sharks #greatwhites #shark...
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05 Apr 2018
Another day starts and we are heading out to see some Great Whites! #daylightsavings #sharks #bluff #sharkexperiencebluff
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30 Mar 2018
Oh dear the wind blew so hard we dont have power... or phone! But we still have a couple of seats free on tomorrow’s Shark Di...
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28 Mar 2018
The team at Shark Experience are committed to helping protect Great White Sharks. We urge all kiwis and visitors to New Zea...
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26 Mar 2018
We have been seeing some lovely Great Whites this month.. but its that time of year when the weather is the BOSS! If you ar...
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23 Mar 2018
Shark Cage Diving Question 26: Whats the water temp down there? Answer: This month, usually 14-15 degrees... and in true So...
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17 Mar 2018
Some retro filter footage done by the boss earlier this month. #sharks #greatwhiteshark #sharkcagedive #retrofilters #lovesh...
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15 Mar 2018
Weather Warning- Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th March 2018. We braved it out a couple of times this week and we have a small wi...
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11 Mar 2018
This is what it's all about for us.
“Many are surprised by their experience,” says research project leader PhD candidate K...
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09 Mar 2018
Keeping up the good work, thanks Samoa. #stopfinning #pacific #samoa #sharks #savesharks #helpsavesharks #stopkilling #apex...
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09 Mar 2018
[said with a kiwi accent] "Aye? ate sharks?".... "Nah Bro... EIGHT SHARKS!" #greatwhite #shark #sharkexperience #sharkcaged...
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03 Mar 2018
Shark Cage Diving Question #59: How many sharks do you see on average? Answer: It varies! they are wild animals and they d...
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02 Mar 2018
How you doin?
#sharkexperiencebluff #sharkcagediving #cagediving #greatwhite #shark #greatwhiteshark #mustdonz #bucketlist ...
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27 Feb 2018
The team at Shark Experience are committed to helping protect Great White Sharks. We urge all kiwis and visitors to New Zeala...
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25 Feb 2018
Hey Kiwis! Thinking of a Southland weekend away? Dont forget if you are getting a nice flight deal into Queenstown, GO RENT...
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19 Feb 2018
Shark Cage Diving Question 46: How big are the sharks? Answer: They come in all shapes and sizes, but at the moment we are be...
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17 Feb 2018
Shark Cage Diving Question 15: Are you guys on Stewart Island? Answer; No.. we are in Bluff right at the bottom of the Sou...
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17 Feb 2018
Weather Warning- Monday 19th February 2018. We braved it today but its gonna get nasty before it will get better.. so it is ...
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14 Feb 2018
Time to go shark cage diving! #sharks #greatwhiteshark #sharkexperiencebluff #sunrise #bucketlist #southlandnz
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12 Feb 2018
Back home from hanging out with a big male most of the afternoon! (Can you spot the claspers???) #sharkexperiencebluff #shark...
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08 Feb 2018
Just in from the boat! Miss Maddy, our Tour Hostess, caught this beautiful boy using her GoPro from ON TOP of the cage. #s...
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08 Feb 2018
Shark Cage Diving Question 48: Is it a boy or a girl? Answer: Like with most animals, its about the dangley bits. Althoug...
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02 Feb 2018
Boys, if you are heading south for the Burt Munro Challenge, we've still got a few seats left this week. #burtmunrochalle...
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27 Jan 2018
We get asked a lot of questions about Sharks.... but the most commonly asked question this month is "How do I get from Inverc...
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24 Jan 2018
Looky looky... deals to Southland! Time to plan your Shark Experience in the Deep South! #southlandnz #sharkexperiencebluff #...
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20 Jan 2018
✋ High five to our passengers and crew who braved the Foveaux Strait today! A wee bit rough but they were rewarded with 5 Gre...
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16 Jan 2018
Love that smile! This little dude has been loving the camera... I swear Ive seen that face in at least 20 places online this...
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14 Jan 2018
Meet Schubert! This lovely chappy has been spending his summers in the Northern TiTi Islands for a couple of years now, and...
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12 Jan 2018
#sharks #greatwhite #sharkcagediving #bluff #sharkexperiencebluff #newzealand #southland #getinthewater
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11 Jan 2018
2018 is off a cracking start! Sunny days, beautiful sunrises and some damn fine looking sharks! See our shark sightings at w...
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03 Jan 2018
Waiting for the perfect shark shot... then you miss it! #itwasthisbig #perfectshot #shark #greatwhiteshark #sharkexperiencebl...
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29 Dec 2017
Shark Cage Diving Question #38: If I go as a Sightseer, is there much to see from the boat? Answer: Sure is. We have lovel...
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28 Dec 2017
Its that time of year when we reflect... we prioritize whats important in our lives....we plan for the next 365 days... and ...
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23 Dec 2017
6 Sharks! this isn't a 12 Days of Christmas thing... There are really a bunch of people out there right now... in a cage... c...
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23 Dec 2017
A typical summers day on Foveaux Strait? I think not! but it looks stunning! Thank you Sebastian U for your great drone wo...
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23 Dec 2017
Shark Cage Diving Question #62; "Why do the sharks come here?" Answer: We'd love to say because of us! but we just aren't th...
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19 Dec 2017
Shark! Or is it? This wee chap is a cutie at only 2.6m long. #shark #greatwhite #babyboy #sharkcagediving #sharkexperienceblu...
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18 Dec 2017
A sunny day out on the Strait with Shark Experience. Thanks Sebastian - awesome drone work! #sharkexperiencebluff #sharks ...
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14 Dec 2017
How cute is this guy? Do you wanna meet a Great White? Due to a change in the weather forecast we have decided to go out ag...
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13 Dec 2017
A beautiful day as we head out on Foveaux Strait.... here Sharkie Sharkie... #beautifulbluff #sharkexperiencebluff #sharks
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12 Dec 2017
We aren’t out playing with Great Whites today... it’s raining... it’s cold... but it’s OK cos it’s SHARK WEEK on Discovery!!!...
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08 Dec 2017
The weathers not the best to go out and see Great Whites today but you can see them all around the streets of Bluff! #sharks ...
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30 Nov 2017
Shark Cage Diving Question #32: “when do the sharks come back?” Answer: they are here all the time! Great Whites have been r...
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28 Nov 2017
2 more sleeps until Shark cage diving season begins and then we get to hear the skipper yell SHARK!!! #shark #greatwhite #sha...
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25 Nov 2017
These guys are super playful today! ! #splash #fivemoresleeps #sharkcagedive #herecomestrouble #countdown #shark #greatwhite ...
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25 Nov 2017
Mr Shark is back again! #splash #fivemoresleeps #sharkcagedive #herecomestrouble #countdown #shark #greatwhite #sharkexperien...
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22 Nov 2017
There are EIGHT more sleeps to Shark Cage Diving Season opens for Shark Experience here in Bluff.... but 31 sleeps until Chri...
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21 Nov 2017
If you have some special in your life that you want to put in a snug 7mm wet suit, pop them in 14 degree water, in a metal ca...
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17 Nov 2017
We snuck out to the island for a bit of pre season “who is out there” .... and spent some time with a wee 3m male Great White...
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14 Nov 2017
Planning a "Grown Up" Boys weekend away?
head to Invers with Go Rentals and get discounts on Shark Cage Diving, Motorcycle M...
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09 Nov 2017
WARNING!!! Nude Shot! Not often you get to see an under carriage like this! Great White breaching off the Norther...
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09 Nov 2017
Its only one of five countries in the world AND the only place in New Zealand, where you can Shark Cage Dive with Great White...
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31 Oct 2017
You may be excited about the big guy in the Santa suit but Im into Great Whites! Only 29 sleeps and then its SHARK TIME!!!!...
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17 Oct 2017
Its only one of five countries in the world AND the only place in New Zealand, where you can Shark Cage Dive with Great White...
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10 Oct 2017
Shark Cage Diving Question # 6: Where are you guys? Answer: We are based in Bluff which is small port town located right a...
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06 Oct 2017
Looking at heading to the South Island for a Shark Cage dive? Get 10% off a Shark Cage Dive when you hire a car with Go Rent...
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03 Oct 2017
Shark Cage Diving Question #56: How safe is that cage? Answer: Im going with SAFE! Its custom designed to accommodate diver...
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21 Sep 2017
Shark Cage Diving Question #134: How clear is the water down your way? Its not bad. Depending on the tide... the weather....
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14 Sep 2017
Questions about Shark Cage Diving # 291; Do they really get that close? Yes! Great Whites are curious. They wanna know who...
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01 Sep 2017
Shark Cage Diving Question #22: Do I need a Dive Certificate? Answer: No! Training is available on the day. We have an on...
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26 Aug 2017
The fun begins! Day One of Shark Cage Diving for the 2017/8 Season! Pop in to our booking office at 64 Gore Street, for a s...
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24 Aug 2017
If you came out with Shark Experience over the summer you may have met Dr. Raj Aich, from the Department of Anthropology at t...
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06 Aug 2017
Its time to plan for your summer holidays! Come down and see the fishies in Southland, New Zealand! They always get away ;-...
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02 Aug 2017
Need some winter reading? Check out what the lovely people at NZ National Geographic have put together for Shark Week! #s...
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28 Jul 2017
Awesome memories from this season! Thanks Josh! A nice prelude to Shark Week! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEuN4Ek16...
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17 Jul 2017
Thank goodness times have changed! The Great White Shark has been protected in New Zealand waters since 2007. The team at Sha...
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10 Jul 2017
Congratulations to Jimmy our 2017 Shark Selfie Competition winner! Thank you to everyone who emailed and posted their favou...
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24 Jun 2017
A very big THANK YOU to our wonderful crew and our fantastic customers who made our adventures out on Foveaux Strait so great...
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08 Jun 2017
Lets face it - its getting pretty cold out there, so our last trip this season is the 17th June. We still have a few seats av...
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31 May 2017
** LAST DAY FOR SELFIE SUBMISSIONS! Email your best shot to info@sharkexperience.co.nz ***** ...
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28 May 2017
So sad that our Shark Cage Diving season is coming to a close soon.. but so HAPPY its almost SHARK WEEK!! #sharkweek #disc...
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26 May 2017
We had a special guest onboard today... Mr G Nome took charge of the cage today! #gnome #sharkcagediving #shark #traveller #s...
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22 May 2017
.."just as important as the Kakapo and the kiwi, and we should care for them in the same way.." Dr Malcolm Francis, NIWA htt...
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21 May 2017
Travel NZ Checklist Update : a) travelled over the Foveaux Strait in "rough seas"✅ b)wore a wet suit all day in under 10 degr...
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15 May 2017
We always get asked "can you see them from the boat?". Yeah.... just depends on the size... #sharkwatch #sizedoesmatter #shar...
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15 May 2017
Shark Fact: Great White Sharks feed, on average, once every two to three weeks. #hungry #sharks #greatwhitesharks #wedontac...
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15 May 2017
Just another day out on the Strait..... Someone just yelled "SHARK! Get in the water!!" #sharkwatch #getinthewater #shark #g...
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12 May 2017
Someone just yelled "SHARK! Get in the water!!" #sharkwatch #getinthewater #shark #greatwhiteshark #sharkcagediving #sharkex...
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10 May 2017
FaNtAsTiC nEwS on the ENVIRONMENT front. Its been protected in NZ since 2007 but news out yesterday is that the Government...
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05 May 2017
CALLING ALL SOUTHLANDERS ( awwww... and you too Otago)! Check out this great deal for locals!
https://southlandnz.com/bluff/...
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01 May 2017
Lovely 4.5m lass we hung out with today off Edward Island. Video credits to Yosuf Siddiqui - thanks for sharing Yosuf. #sha...
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01 May 2017
A beautiful 4.5 female off Edward Island, today 1 May 2017, affectionately called "Cuddles" by photographer of this image, S...
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01 May 2017
Look at this beautiful girl we hung out with today! Thanks to Jake Williams for the great footage. #sharkwatch #getinthewa...
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