From
$360
LERMONTOV TOURS
The best way to see the wreck
Your adventure begins by making your way, via road, through the scenic Kenepuru Sounds and native rain forest of the Queen Charlotte Sounds, ending up at Go Dives private Dive Lodge at the very tip of New Zealand’s South island in Port Gore. On arrival you dine on a home cooked meal and prepare for the following days diving on the largest diveable cruise liner wreck in the world, the Mikhail Lermontov, by viewing a video and immersing yourself in our Lermontov Library and museum. In the morning our staff who have immense experience diving on the Lermontov, will fit you out with top of the line dive equipment as required. Areas of the wreck you can visit will vary depending on your level of experience, assuring you safe and exhilarating dives like none other you will encounter. Return transfers from Picton or Blenheim can be arranged when making your reservation. If you are unable to stay overnight at our Lodge day trips also available.
THE LODGE
The Lermontov Lodge is tucked away in a sheltered cove in Port Gore, it is a modern facility upgraded in 2023; it has endless hot water, 230 volt power supplied by Solar panels, inverter and generator, laundry facilities, 3 bedrooms, large lounge with DVD player, TV and our latest upgrade Starlink internet.. All meals are catered by our resident chef Brent McFadden. Bedroom layout is 1 bedroom with 4 beds, 1 bedroom with 6 beds, 1 double bedroom and 1 twin in the lounge. Layout allows for privacy and the lodge is a less expensive and more comfortable option to live-a-board tours. If you would like to reserve the double bedroom or have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when confirming your booking. All bedding is supplied along with bath towel.
Accommodation and meals are included in the rates outlined below.
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XTENDED RANGE
Our boat Xtended Range is custom fitted for diving with a lift on the back to make it easier to get back aboard especially for technical divers with multiple stages. Doors on both sides with a very low step make it easy to exit no matter the swell or wind direction. XR is surveyed with Maritime New Zealand for 10 people and has a enclosed cabin to block the wind during the surface interval.
EVERYTHING DIVING
The Mikhail Lermontov sunk in February 1986 after hitting rocks while trying to navigate over the reef on Cape Jackson. It is one of the biggest cruise liners in the world within diving depths at a length of 176 meters long. The top of the wreck lies in 14m of water with very little current, it is an easy dive for open water divers and those with advanced experience are able to penetrate the wreck. The bio diversity over the wreck is the best you will experience in the Marlborough Sounds.
Two dives a day with no time limits, as long as everything is planned. We cater to all levels, from Open Water to Extended Range and Advanced wreck divers. There is something for everyone. The first two dives of any trip are guided by one of our experienced instructors, who know the wreck like the back of their hand. A three hour surface interval is possible for technical dives, with hot drinks and soup to warm you up. We highly recommend you allow for at least two days diving on the Lermontov, its a huge wreck.
EVERYTHING ELSE
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Reservations: We recommend you book well in advance, trips depart on a regular basis throughout each week of the summer period, Go Dive limits the amount of diving guests on each 24hr trip to 8. A 50% non refundable deposit will secure your reservation with full payment required prior to the trip.
Minimum Experience Rating: Open-water with cold water environmental orientation dive. Advanced O/W certification, or proof of a Wreck Adventure dive through a recognized training agency required for limited penetration dives. Note: certification depth limits strictly adhered to.
Tour Includes: Accommodation with bedding and towel, meals, diving, cylinders, air and weight belts. Rental equipment if required is extra
Number of dives: Two dives per day, up to 90 mins.
What to bring: Log book, proof of certification, warm clothes, hat, sunscreen.
Dietary requirements: If you have any dietary requirements please notify us at time of booking. Extra charge may apply.
Maximum divers per trip: 8
Recommendations/requirements: If you are not used to diving in a 7mm wetsuit, dry suit, or in temperate waters, we recommend that you do an equipment and temperate water orientation dive before diving the Lermontov. This can be done prior to the trip in Port Gore or on the first dive of the trip.
Tech Diving: Technical diving support is available on request with Nitrox, Trimix, O2 and 3l Dil and O2 cylinders for rebreathers, 12litre twins, 6 litre slings and Side-mount systems available if prearranged. Go Dive staff are all Decompression Procedures and Advanced Wreck trained and love to team-up with those who hold suitable qualifications on some of the more advanced dives. Please note these are not guided dives. The drive out takes you to approx 600m elevation so plan your last dives accordingly.
Communication: There is now cell reception out at the lodge and we do have 24/7 Starlink wifi. High speed and stable.
The road in: The Kenepuru road which leads you to the Lodge in Port Gore has suffered storm damage in past years and is quite rough in places it needs to be navigated with extreme care. It is suitable to drive in a small 2wd drive vehicle, for larger camper vans or RV's we recommend you make alternative arrangements to a travel to the Lodge. Please contact Go Dive to discuss your travel plans if you have doubts about navigating your way safely. We will in all circumstances send you on confirmation of your booking detailed directions on how to get to Port Gore.
PRICE LIST
ONE DAY TRIP 24hrs
$495.00 including all equipment rental.
$465.00 including cylinder and weight rental only.
Ask about our special rates for group bookings.
Come in the night before to get an early start for the days diving.
TWO DAY TRIP
$860.00
Want to get the full experience? with two days to explore the wreck you see so much more.
3 DAY TRIP
$1290.00
Make the best use of long weekends
4 DAYS AND LONGER
$1695.00 +
Want to make it an expedition? Contact us for special pricing over longer trips.