Diving in Poor Knights Islands

New Zealand

88 dive sites

9 dive centres

The Poor Knights. We’ve been lucky enough to dive a lot of places, and these islands near Tutukaka really do stand out. It’s not just the dramatic cliffs plunging into the Tasman, or the kelp forests swaying in the surge, it’s the sheer density of it all. You drop into the water and immediately you’re surrounded by schooling blue mao mao and trevally, so thick sometimes you feel like you’re swimming through liquid silver. Our favourite spots are always around the archways and caves. Northern Arch, for example, feels less like a dive site and more like an underwater cathedral, with light shafts piercing through the gloom. It’s a completely different vibe inside than out on the pinnacles, where you might get a quick glance at a bronze whaler cruising by, or a playful seal darting through the kelp. Keep an eye out for nudibranchs tucked away on the walls, and the occasional lemon sole camouflaged on the sandy patches. Water temperatures are best in late summer, January to March, when it’s a bit warmer and visibility often stretches to 20-25 metres. We’d suggest going with a local operator who knows the currents, as they can pick up, particularly around the outer pinnacles. There are 88 named sites, but even on a busy day, you can still find a spot that feels like your own private marine reserve.