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poor knights islands
Just a
day trip away from Auckland is one of the finest dive locations
in New Zealand.
‘The Knights’ were rated by the late Jacques Cousteau
as being one of the top 10 dive sites in the world. Today they
provide a marine reserve that covers a vast range of topography
including caves, arches, sheer walls, pinnacles, brightly
coloured reefs, sponge gardens and gorgonian fields.
The warm East Auckland Current attracts many subtropical fish, so
every dive offers the prospect of sighting species rare in
temperate waters. Water clarity is normally in the 15-30m range
and water temperatures are around 23°C in summer and 14°C in
winter. Underwater photographic opportunities abound.
Tutukaka Harbour (30km from Whangarei) is the charter boat base.
Several operators run daily trips to ‘The Knights’ and
provide a full hire equipment service.
There are over 50 named dive spots throughout the islands
including the most favoured ones set out below.
Northern Arch
This incredible archway plummets to a 44m depth with an array of
fish species, which are stacked in layers. The vertical walls are
packed with a supermarket range of colourful invertebrate life. A
true spectacle of nature’s creation. Watch for the friendly
resident stingrays.
Middle Arch
A beautiful diving spot (down to 18m) where schools of
demoiselles dance to some mystical beat and unusual moray eels,
rare tropical groper and perch can be seen. Look out for
Bernies’s Cave on the left of the arch.
Red Baron Caves
The rock formations here will astound you. There are a series of
arches and outcrops which can be followed to the bottom at 25m.
Colourful sponges, anemones, hydroids, corals and nudibranchs are
festooned on the sheer walls.
Nursery Cove
A fascinating playground for semi-tame juvenile fish. It is
particularly good for snorkelling here, with an interesting
feature called the Labyrinth off the southern point.
Blue Maomao Arch
A dense school of blue maomao greets the diver at the east
entranceway. Sunlight filters through the swirling mass making an
unforgettable spectacle.
Rikoriko Cave
Most charter boats visit this massive cave which can be used as
an overnight mooring. Novice divers enjoy exploring the
boulder-strewn sea floor and it is ideal for a night dive.
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