Diving in Poor Knights Islands

Explore 97 dive sites in Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Poor Knights Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Poor Knights Islands occur in February, averaging 21.9°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 15.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 21.4°C
  • February: 21.9°C
  • March: 21.7°C
  • April: 20.6°C
  • May: 19.1°C
  • June: 17.6°C
  • July: 16.5°C
  • August: 15.8°C
  • September: 15.9°C
  • October: 16.6°C
  • November: 18.2°C
  • December: 19.8°C

Marine Life in Poor Knights Islands

Home to 84 recorded species including 53 reef fish, 11 sharks & rays, 4 whales & dolphins, 4 other, 3 crabs & lobsters, 2 sea urchins.

Dive Site Difficulty in Poor Knights Islands

Poor Knights Islands has 8 beginner, 1 intermediate dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Poor Knights Islands

Based on average water temperature of 18.8°C, currents 12 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 19°C water
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Poor Knights Islands

  • Mokohinau Islands - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Cape Rodney-Okakari Point - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Motu Manawa-Pollen Island - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Long Bay-Okura - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Bream Islands - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Simmonds Islands - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Walker Island - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Black Rocks - Scenic Reserve (IUCN Category III)
  • Burgess Island - Scenic Reserve (IUCN Category III)
  • Casnell Island - Scenic Reserve (IUCN Category III)
  • Kohatutara - Scenic Reserve (IUCN Category III)
  • Motuarahi - Scenic Reserve (IUCN Category III)
  • Motupapa Island - Scenic Reserve (IUCN Category III)
  • Motutapu Island - Scenic Reserve (IUCN Category III)
  • Oke Bay - Scenic Reserve (IUCN Category III)
  • Pitokuku - Scenic Reserve (IUCN Category III)
  • Poroporo Island - Scenic Reserve (IUCN Category III)
  • Tamateatai Point - Scenic Reserve (IUCN Category III)
  • Taranaki Island - Scenic Reserve (IUCN Category III)
  • Toretore Island - Scenic Reserve (IUCN Category III)
  • Kaipara - Stewardship Area (IUCN Category III)
  • Mangere - Stewardship Area (IUCN Category III)
  • Motutokape Island - Stewardship Area (IUCN Category III)
  • Rabbit Island - Stewardship Area (IUCN Category III)
  • Ruawai - Stewardship Area (IUCN Category III)
  • South Head - Stewardship Area (IUCN Category III)
  • Ti Tree Island - Stewardship Area (IUCN Category III)
  • Totara North - Stewardship Area (IUCN Category III)
  • Tutukaka - Stewardship Area (IUCN Category III)
  • Weymouth - Stewardship Area (IUCN Category III)
  • Papakanui Spit Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
  • Whangamata Islands - Wildlife Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • Whanganui A Hei - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Te Matuku - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Poor Knights Islands - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Whangarei Harbour - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Wharekawa Harbour Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
  • Waikato River - Stewardship Area (IUCN Category III)
  • Waipu River Mouth Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
  • Whangarei Harbour Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ruakaka Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
  • Moturekareka Is - Scenic Reserve (IUCN Category III)
  • Tawharanui - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Pirikawau Island - Stewardship Area (IUCN Category III)
  • Moturahurahu Island - Stewardship Area (IUCN Category III)
  • Motuapo Island Protected Private Land - Conservation Covenant (IUCN Category IV)
  • 2B2 b - Closed Seamount Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Tipare - Conservation Covenant (IUCN Category IV)
  • Takangaroa Island - Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category IV)
  • 5-02-375 - Open Space Covenant (IUCN Category IV)
  • 5-02-491 - Open Space Covenant (IUCN Category IV)
  • 5-02-1340 - Open Space Covenant (IUCN Category IV)
  • 5-02-1341 - Open Space Covenant (IUCN Category IV)
  • 5-02-1342 - Open Space Covenant (IUCN Category IV)

Getting to Poor Knights Islands - Nearest Airports

  • Whangarei Airport (WRE), Whangarei - 36 km away, approx 55 min travel time
  • Auckland International Airport (AKL), Auckland - 133 km away, approx 160 min travel time
  • Kerikeri Airport (KKE), Kerikeri - 99 km away, approx 123 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical water temperatures and visibility conditions for diving at the Poor Knights Islands throughout the year?
The best water temperatures for diving at the Poor Knights Islands are recorded in Month 2 at 21.89°C, Month 3 at 21.67°C, and Month 1 at 21.35°C. While these months offer optimal warmth, specific year-round temperature ranges and typical visibility conditions are not detailed in the provided data. For more detailed seasonal information, consult our When to Dive guide.
What kind of unique marine life can divers expect to see at the Poor Knights Islands, especially compared to other New Zealand dive sites?
The Poor Knights Islands are renowned as a marine reserve and are rated among the world's top ten dive sites, suggesting an abundance of diverse marine life. However, specific details on unique marine species or comparisons to other New Zealand dive sites are not provided in the current data. We encourage divers to explore our wildlife database for general information on marine species.
Which are considered the best or most popular dive sites at the Poor Knights Islands, and what makes them stand out?
The Poor Knights Islands are celebrated for their dramatic archways and the world's largest sea cave, which are major highlights. Notable dive sites include Maomao Arch, known for its unique topography, and the Alice A. Leigh /Rewa ShipWreck, offering an intermediate wreck diving experience. Additionally, Whangarei Heads Old Women provides a unique cenote dive for intermediate divers.
Is the Poor Knights Islands dive region suitable for beginner divers, or is it primarily for experienced divers?
The Poor Knights Islands dive region caters to both beginner and experienced divers. Several sites are suitable for beginners, such as Stanmore Bay Pool and Jones Bay, which are designated as reef dives. For more experienced divers, there are numerous intermediate sites including pinnacles, wrecks, and drift dives, offering a wide range of challenges and experiences.
How do divers typically get to the Poor Knights Islands, and what is the travel time involved from the mainland?
Information regarding how divers typically get to the Poor Knights Islands and the travel time involved from the mainland is not available in the provided data. We recommend contacting local dive operators or referring to travel guides for specific transportation details.
What are the seasonal variations for diving at the Poor Knights Islands, and when is the best time to visit for specific experiences like pelagic sightings or best visibility?
The months with the best water temperatures for diving at the Poor Knights Islands are Month 2 (21.89°C), Month 3 (21.67°C), and Month 1 (21.35°C). However, specific seasonal variations for experiences such as pelagic sightings or periods of best visibility are not detailed in the current data. For more insights into optimal diving conditions, refer to our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific currents or challenging conditions divers should be aware of when planning a trip to the Poor Knights Islands?
Divers planning a trip to the Poor Knights Islands should be aware that some dive sites are designated as drift dives, such as Cleanerfish Bay and Blue MaoMao Arch, indicating the presence of currents. While specific challenging conditions are not detailed, it is always advisable to check with local dive centers for current conditions and to ensure your equipment is suitable for the planned dives.
Beyond fish, what other notable underwater features, such as caves, arches, or topography, are highlights for divers at the Poor Knights Islands?
Beyond abundant marine life, the Poor Knights Islands are celebrated for their dramatic archways and the world's largest sea cave, offering unique exploration opportunities. Divers can also explore diverse topography including pinnacles like Maomao Arch, various reefs, walls such as Ann's Rock / Astrid's Wall, and even a cenote at Whangarei Heads Old Women.