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The Wreck of the HMNZS Canterbury

Canterbury-Wreck

The HMNZS Canterbury was one of two broad beam Leander class frigates operated by the Royal New Zealand Navy. On 3 Nov 2007 she was sunk by plastic explosives to create an artificial reef. Located in Deep Water Cove off the stunning Cape Brett Peninsula.

This Peninsula forms the southern arm of the Bay of Islands. Because of its sheltered aspect, flat sandy bottom and relative lack of tidal currents and therefore great visibility, this wreck dive has become very popular dive site with the New Zealand diving fraternity. The very top of the wreck lies at 12 metres the midsection at 22 metres the bottom at 36 metres, she is standing bolt upright on the ocean floor… Divers must be advanced open water level or higher. If unsure, we can provide an experienced guide for a small additional cost.

Canterbury Specifications

  • Displacement – 2,470 tons Standard, 2,990 Full Load
  • Dimensions - 373 x 43 x 18 feet (114 x 13.1 x 5.5 metres)
  • Propulsion - 2 x Steam Turbines, 30,000 hp, 2 shafts
  • Speed - 28 Knots
  • Endurance - 30 days or 5500nm @ 15kts: Max speed 28kts
  • Complement - 243 – (15 Officers)
  • Aircraft - 1 x Westland Wasp later replaced by 1 x Kaman Seasprite SH-2G ASW Helicopter
  • Armament - 1 x Twin 115mm, 1 x 20mm Phalanx CIWS, 2 x Triple 21-inch torpedo tubes