Blue MaoMao Arch - Poor Knights Islands

Dzinani is our go-to when we want a proper drift. It’s got that classic Diani mix of deep coral ridges and stretches of open sand, but here the current often picks up just enough to give you a real ride. We’ve found the best approach is to let yourself go, gliding over the corals, then dipping into those sandy channels where white-tip reef sharks sometimes just rest, unbothered. You'll often see schools of barracuda shimmering in the blue, or giant trevallies tearing through smaller fish. Visibility here can sometimes be a bit variable, averaging 13m, but when it’s good, the light plays beautifully through the water, making the corals glow. We’d suggest this one for divers comfortable with a bit of pace, it’s not for faffing about.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.488500, 174.740300
Type
drift

Marine Protected Area: Poor Knights Islands

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

Nearby Dive Sites in Poor Knights Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Blue MaoMao Arch

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.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Blue MaoMao Arch

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