ABC Bay
Protected Area
Cape Rodney-Okakari Point
Why dive here
With 79+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, hammerhead sharks, humpback whales and orcas - ABC Bay offers some of Poor Knights Islands's richest wall diving. Water ranges 16-22°C, warmest January, February, March.
ABC Bay, despite its relatively shallow maximum depth of 7m, is one of our favourite spots at Poor Knights. You’re not here for dramatic drop-offs, but for the sheer density of life tucked into every crevice of the kelp-draped rock wall. We particularly love poking around the darker spots, often finding a Spitlure Frogfish camouflaged perfectly, or coming face to face with a grumpy-looking Crested Blenny. The visibility averages 8m, which isn't gin-clear but honestly, it’s perfect for the intimate scale of this dive. The sandy patches are great for spotting Smooth Skates, and sometimes you'll even catch Pacific sardines shimmering past in thick schools. It's a fantastic site for macro enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys a slow, deliberate exploration. If you visit in winter, keep an eye out for playful seals zipping through the kelp. This site is ideal for photographers and divers who appreciate the smaller, often overlooked inhabitants of the reef.
Typical ABC Bay Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Nearest Dive Centres to ABC Bay
Dive shops near ABC Bay
GOAT ISLAND DIVE and SNORKEL
NEW ZEALAND DIVING
Auckland Scuba - Silverdale
Reviews for ABC Bay
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ABC Bay
ABC Bay Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for ABC Bay, sourced from Copernicus Marine satellite data
August Averages
Sea Temperature
15.82°C
60°F
Current Speed
11.4 cm/s
Direction: SE (142.1°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.264 mg/m³
Clear water
Salinity
35.47 PSU
Data sources: Copernicus Marine Service (EU)
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