The Pinnacles (Cape Karikari) – Northland & Bay of Islands

40m Max

15-40m Vis

boat

Site Overview

The Pinnacles at Cape Karikari are a series of dramatic deep-water rocky pinnacles located off the northernmost tip of New Zealand's North Island, where the powerful currents of the East Australian Current bring nutrient-rich water that supports enormous schools of kingfish and seasonal encounters with manta rays and marlin. The pinnacles rise from depths exceeding 40 metres to within 8 metres of the surface, creating underwater mountains that concentrate marine life in spectacular aggregations. Schools of kingfish number in the thousands around the pinnacles, creating living walls of silver and gold that swirl in coordinated movements. Barracouta and trevally join the feeding frenzies, while the largest kingfish individuals, some exceeding 30 kilograms, patrol the deeper slopes. Seasonal manta rays visit the cleaning stations on the shallower pinnacle tops during the summer months, and the occasional striped marlin may cruise past hunting the baitfish schools. The remote offshore location means that conditions are highly weather-dependent, but when the seas cooperate, the diving at the Pinnacles is among the most exhilarating pelagic experiences available in New Zealand. The exposed position also ensures exceptional water clarity with visibility often exceeding 30 metres, making this a premier wide-angle photography destination. The nutrient-rich water brought by the East Australian Current supports not only the massive kingfish aggregations but also a diverse pelagic community including barracouta, trevally, and seasonal visitors from the subtropical waters to the north that add excitement and variety to every dive at this extraordinary offshore pinnacle system.

Dive Briefing

"The dive begins at the top of the tallest pinnacle at approximately 8 metres, where the rocky reef is covered in colourful soft corals and pink maomao shelter from the current. Descend along the pinnacle face following the current, which typically flows from north to south along the pinnacle chain. Schools of kingfish appear within the first few minutes, growing larger and more numerous with depth. At 20 metres, the kingfish schools form massive aggregations that can surround you completely. Continue descending to 30 metres where the pinnacle meets the sandy bottom, and the largest kingfish patrol the deeper slopes. Barracouta and trevally join the schools at these depths. The return follows the shallower ridge connecting the pinnacles at 12 to 15 metres, where the current is less intense and the soft coral coverage is most colourful. Watch for manta rays on the shallower pinnacle tops during the summer months. The safety stop is conducted on the pinnacle crest at 5 metres with the possibility of observing kingfish and trevally in the blue water above."