New Zealand, known as the "Land of Long White Clouds", also contains rich treasures under the sea. On 29 March, International Mermaid Day, Tourism New Zealand joined forces with PADI, the global professional diving certification system, to unveil the magical underwater world to ocean enthusiasts from around the world.
Several PADI-certified divers donned mermaid tails and dived in a mermaid way to document the Purnets Islands Marine Reserve, an internationally renowned diving destination in northern New Zealand.
New Zealand's 44 marine reserves, hundreds of offshore islands, easily accessible beaches, and abundant wildlife make up the deep and diverse underwater world. Mermaid diving is one of the most unique new experiences to explore the ocean, combining freediving elements with wearing a "single fin" or mermaid tail. On this day, PADI Mermaid team members from around the world dive underwater for a blue free journey through New Zealand, one of the world's top dive destinations.
The unique Poornets Islands are a famous marine nature reserve in New Zealand and one of the top five diving destinations in the world. The reserve is dotted with spectacular cliffs, caves, arched rocks and tunnels set against the crystal blue waters and inhabiting the amazing underwater life. Dive to the bottom of the sea, and the "Great Staircase" is covered with dense seaweed, surrounded by schools of sponges and coral reefs, which become home to a variety of fish, shellfish, sea urchins and anemones.
Underwater seaweed grow along the cliffs, they dance with the waves, and the color changes from red to green. It was really dreamy and I literally wanted to sleep on seaweed. ”
PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer Lei Yingtao from China witnessed this wonderful underwater scene while diving with local mermaids.
The archipelago is also home to subtropical fish such as spotted black sea bream, flower-leaved moray eel and Lord Howe reef fish, which are rare marine creatures found elsewhere in New Zealand. These fish are also very willing to get close to divers, Lei Yingtao encountered sea bream that actively followed him during the dive, "They chase from one end to the other, and even look at the camera!" ”
From the glittering subtropical waters and islands of the far north to the wilderness wonders of the fjords deep in the south, New Zealand's prime location in the South Pacific creates a diverse underwater playground. In addition to the Purnets Islands Marine Reserve, where the mermaid dive is located, New Zealand's world-class dive sites include Kaikoura and Milford Sound, providing a variety of experiences for diving enthusiasts.
A commitment to caring for New Zealand and protecting its land, its seas and its people. Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Demon Chi said:
There is no doubt that the natural environment is one of the reasons New Zealand is such an extraordinary destination. The excellent geographical location and unique climatic conditions create wonderful above- and below-ground worlds, providing a rich variety of travel experiences for curious and exploratory travelers. ”