Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand
    Poor Knights Islands

    Boarfish Reef Poor Knights

    Best months: Jan–Apr

    Protected Area

    Poor Knights Islands

    Why dive here

    With 79+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, hammerhead sharks, humpback whales and orcas - Boarfish Reef Poor Knights offers some of Poor Knights Islands's richest reef diving. Water ranges 15-22°C, warmest January, February, March.

    Best timeJan–Apr
    WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit
    Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Hammerhead Sharks, Humpback Whales and Orcas · 79+ species recorded
    Water15-22°C · warmest January, February, March
    CharacterReef dive
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    Boarfish Reef is one of those spots at the Poor Knights we always recommend. We love that it manages to feel both exposed and sheltered at the same time, a proper dive even with the 15-meter max depth. Drop down onto the reef and you’re immediately into a mix of kelp fronds swaying in the surge and colourful sponges clinging to the walls. We’ve had some cracking encounters here, particularly with snapper and schools of demoiselles weaving through the kelp. The real magic happens when you pay attention to the walls. We always find ourselves lingering, spotting nimble crimson cleaner fish zipping around and some truly impressive grey massive sponges. Visibility here averages around 7 metres, so it’s not about seeing for miles. Instead, it’s about getting close, exploring the nooks, and appreciating the sheer density of life in a smaller area. It suits divers who appreciate a slow, deliberate dive, those who love poking around rather than just flying past.

    Today05:4518:3212h 47m daylightGolden hour 17:58

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Boarfish Reef Poor Knights

    Boarfish Reef Poor Knights Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Boarfish Reef Poor Knights, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-35.84, 174.61) (14km away)

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    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    16°C

    60°F · Range: 14.8–17.1°C

    Current Speed

    11.4 cm/s

    Direction: SE (142.1°)

    Chlorophyll-a

    0.388 mg/m³

    Moderate productivity

    Salinity

    35.44 PSU

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)

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