Boarfish Reef Poor Knights - Poor Knights Islands

Eagle Ray Rock. The name gives a lot away, doesn't it? And often, it delivers. We've had some cracking dives here, especially when the spotted eagle rays glide by, completely unbothered. It's a proper wall dive, starting around 12 metres and dropping down to about 25. You’ll find some massive coral heads near the mooring, making for some cool swim-throughs if you poke around. We like to drift along the wall, keeping an eye out into the blue for those rays. It's a great spot for just cruising, letting the current do some of the work. You’ll see plenty of bluestriped grunts hanging out, and if you get down close to the sand, look for the sand stargazers – they're masters of camouflage. We’ve also spotted some surprisingly colourful parrotfish munching on the coral and the occasional green razorfish darting about. Visibility here is usually excellent, often 20 metres or more, making it easy to appreciate the scale of the wall. It’s a good choice for newer wall divers, as the current isn't usually too wild, but also rewarding for experienced eyes looking for those bigger pelagics.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.462100, 174.734200
Type
reef

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 Boarfish Reef Poor Knights

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 Boarfish Reef Poor Knights

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at Boarfish Reef Poor Knights?
The typical depth range for diving at Boarfish Reef Poor Knights extends to a maximum depth of 15 meters. This allows divers to explore the steep reef from kelp-covered areas in the shallows down into the sponge zone. While the area is suited for divers looking for deeper experiences, this specific site's recreational depth is 15 meters.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Boarfish Reef Poor Knights?
Divers at Boarfish Reef Poor Knights can expect to see a vibrant reef ecosystem. The steep reef features kelp-covered areas, encrusted layers, and a distinct sponge zone with large tubular sponges. These varied habitats create a home for many fish species, including shoaling fish that follow food brought up from the depths. For more on marine life, visit our Wildlife Database.
How challenging is diving at Boarfish Reef Poor Knights, and what skill level is recommended?
Diving at Boarfish Reef Poor Knights is rated as intermediate difficulty. This suggests that divers should possess some experience beyond entry-level certifications to comfortably navigate the site. The varied reef structure and conditions are best suited for those with intermediate diving skills.
What is the best time of year to dive Boarfish Reef Poor Knights for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Boarfish Reef Poor Knights for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general information on seasonal diving in the region, you might consult our When to Dive guide. Always check local conditions before planning your trip.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to dive at Boarfish Reef Poor Knights, especially given its depth?
Given the maximum depth of 15 meters at Boarfish Reef Poor Knights and its intermediate difficulty rating, an Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is generally sufficient. While the site is described as suited for divers interested in deeper exploration, the actual maximum depth here is 15 meters. Always ensure your certification level aligns with your planned dive activities.
What are the typical current and water conditions like at Boarfish Reef Poor Knights?
The average visibility at Boarfish Reef Poor Knights is 7 meters. However, the provided data does not include specific details regarding typical current strength or water temperature conditions for this dive site. Divers should always check with local dive operators for the most current conditions before planning their dive.