Cleanerfish Bay - Poor Knights Islands

We love Green Outhouse for a chill drift dive when we want to see lots of small stuff, and maybe a pod of orcas if we’re really lucky. The reef here, topping out around 20 metres, is a gentle slope where the current often just pushes you along. It's a great spot to cruise slowly and keep your eyes peeled. Our favourite thing about Green Outhouse is the sheer number of those little creatures that are so easy to swim straight past. Think Mottled Jawfish peering out of their burrows, their mouths full of eggs, or tiny Four-fin Blennies darting between coral branches. We often spot Mimic Blennies here too, a real treat to watch. The visibility, usually around 20 metres, lets you see far enough without being overwhelmed, perfect for focusing on the details. We’d suggest going in the morning; the light is softer, and the currents tend to be a little more predictable. If you're into macro life and enjoy a relaxed pace, Green Outhouse is a solid choice. You’ll be pointing out new things to your buddy for the whole dive.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.454400, 174.732700
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 Cleanerfish Bay

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 Cleanerfish Bay

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