LERMONTOV TOURS

The best way to see the wreck

Your adventure starts in Picton with a short boat trip across the sounds followed by a very scenic road trip winding your way though the native rain forest of the Queen Charlotte and Keneperu Sounds, ending up at Go Dives private Lodge at the very tip of New Zealand’s South island. On arrival you dine on a home cooked meal and prepare for the following days diving on the 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.

THE LODGE

The Lermontov Lodge is tucked away in a sheltered cove in Port Gore, it is a modern facility built in 2001; it has endless hot water, 230 volt power supplied by Solar panels, inverter and generator, laundry facilities, 3 bedrooms, large lounge with DVD player and TV. 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.

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

Two dives a day, 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. Three hour surface intervals possible for technical dives with hot drinks and soup to warm you up.

EVERYTHING ELSE

Due to road closures from the recent floods we have to take a water taxi out to Punga lodge then drive the rest of the way out of the Lermontov lodge. Because of this we have to add a $55 charge per trip to pay for the water taxi (return). We also recommend contacting us about the what time your water taxi will get into/leave picton so that you can plan flights etc. around that.

Day Trips: Day trips can be arranged on request, however for a better overall experience the overnight option is recommended.

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 30% 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, any length.
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 Picton or the first dive of the trip in Port Gore.

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. Surface supplied 100% O2 deployed at 5 metres on all technical dives as emergency decompression gas. No technical diving on 24 hour trips.

Communication: There is no cell reception out at the lodge. Nearest reception is a 10 minute drive up the hill behind the lodge.