Diving Guide to Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve

About Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve

The Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve is New Zealand's most famous dive destination, described by Jacques Cousteau as one of the top ten dive sites in the world. Located 22 kilometres off the Tutukaka Coast, this group of volcanic islands was declared a marine reserve in 1981, creating a protected sanctuary where marine life thrives in extraordinary abundance. The islands feature spectacular volcanic geology including the world's largest sea cave by volume at Rikoriko Cave, massive natural arches, sheer walls draped in soft corals, and channels that funnel nutrient-rich currents teeming with pelagic life. Blue maomao, pink maomao, and sweep congregate in their thousands beneath the arches, while huge kingfish patrol the walls. Seasonal grey nurse sharks, bronze whalers, and stingrays add big-animal excitement to the colourful reef diving. The marine reserve status ensures that fish are unafraid of divers, creating intimate wildlife encounters that are impossible in unprotected waters. The unique mixing of subtropical and temperate currents creates a biodiversity hotspot where species from both regions coexist. Diving is conducted exclusively by boat from Tutukaka Marina, with full-day trips offering two to three dives in this underwater paradise.

Highlights

• ✓Blue Maomao Arch: iconic archway filled with thousands of blue maomao, pink maomao, and sweep beneath towering kingfish
• ✓Northern Arch: massive archway with sheer walls, seasonal grey nurse sharks, bronze whalers, and dense soft coral gardens
• ✓Rikoriko Cave: the world's largest sea cave by volume with lush walls, swim-throughs, and extraordinary acoustics
• ✓Labrid Channel: exhilarating drift dive with big kingfish, trevally, barracouta in crystal-clear water
• ✓Nursery Cove: sheltered kelp forest perfect for macro photography with juvenile fish, seahorses, and pipefish

Getting There

Boat from Tutukaka Marina, approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour crossing