Poor Knights Islands

About this site

Jacques Cousteau rated Poor Knights among the world's top ten dive sites. This fully protected marine reserve features spectacular volcanic arches, caves, and walls dripping with colorful sponges and anemones. The subtropical current brings warm-water species to mingle with temperate marine life, creating extraordinary biodiversity.

Conditions

Country

New Zealand

Region

North Island (off Tutukaka)

Max depth

5–50 m

Visibility

20–50 m

Water temperature

14–23°C

Difficulty

Intermediate to Advanced

Best season

November to April (warm); May-September (best visibility)

Type

Cave

Suitable for

• Scuba

Dive types

• Cave
• Wall
• Reef

Marine life

• Rays
• Dolphins
• Seals
• Macro