NZ DOLPHIN UNDERWATER AND ADVENTURE CLUB TURNS 70

1954 – 2024 The longest running dive club in NZ

August 12, 2024
The Dolphin Underwater Club celebrations at the 60th Anniversary.
The Dolphin Underwater Club celebrations at the 60th Anniversary.
Photographer:

In early 1953 a keen group of North Shore spear fishermen formed as a spear fishing Club

SCUBA diving emerged as an activity within the Club later in the year, from this group, The Dolphin Underwater Club was formed in 1954, and is now the oldest continually running Scuba Club in New Zealand.
Over the years the Club has remained very active with the emphasis gradually changing to a wide range of dive and adventure related activities, becoming more concerned with environmental issues.

The Club has members excelling in underwater photography,  a few taking out some major photographic awards. Club Members, Jenny and Tony Enderby are very successful Freelance Photojournalists, contributing to over 70 magazines in 10 different countries throughout the World!

Today the Club operates as the NZ Dolphin Underwater and Adventure Club.

With activities to cater for the non-diving partners, family and friends of the Members, including tramping, camping, mountain biking, kayaking, sailing, overseas holidays, dining out and many other activities mixed in with a wide range of organised dives mostly around the northern New Zealand Coast, the most popular being the Poor Knights especially for underwater photography.
Members also take on environmental issues with regular cleanups of rivers, reefs, harbours and Lake Pupuke. Volunteers on a regular basis also assist with Experiencing Marine Reserves.

Okura river early morning visits part of the Dolphin Underwater Club trips
Okura river early morning visits part of the Dolphin Underwater Club trips

We pride ourselves with our safety record;

Encouraging divers to continue their education to at least the Rescue Diver, to keep themselves out of trouble and to be there to help others in case they may need it.We also support the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Project Jonah, Coastguard, Young Ocean Explorers and Experiencing Marine Reserves - Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust, and we are affiliated to the NZ Underwater Association.

Our kayaking trips venture from Lake Pupuke and North Head to as far a field as the Bay of Islands including some exciting South Island kayaking trips.

Sammie and Kayden enjoying a day out kayaking
Sammie and Kayden enjoying a day out kayaking

Mountain Biking is a much-enjoyed part of our Club with regular trips to Woodhill State Forest and the Hunua Ranges, also the Redwood Forest in Rotorua and doing the 42nd Traverse in the National Park.The famous NZ Otago Rail Trail in the South Island is also a Club favourite.

Some recent Club tramping trips have been to the Pinnacles in Coromandel, walking into and staying at Dacre Cottage, Whatipu, Waitakeries, Mt Te Aroha, Mt Ruapehu and also New Zealand’s famous Tongariro Crossing.

Along with all the other diving and fun activities over the years, there have been Members enjoying many overseas dive trips together, the latest in June to the Philippines. Our third Club Trip there.
The Club is based at the Club Rooms Lake Pupuke, Northcote Road Ext. Takapuna. We meet the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7.00pm and have regular guest speakers, new Members are always welcome.

The NZ Dolphin Underwater & Adventure Club will be celebrating their 70th Anniversary at the Milford Cruising Club on the 19th October. For further details check out our website www.dolphinunderwater.co.nz

Dolphin Underwater Club 60th Anniversary celebration cake
Dolphin Underwater Club 60th Anniversary celebration cake

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