Flat Rock - Poor Knights Islands

Flat Rock might not be the flashiest name at the Poor Knights, but it's a solid intermediate dive, especially if you're looking for something a bit more relaxed. We often drift along the rock face, keeping an eye out for nudibranchs tucked into crevices and moray eels peeking from under ledges. It’s pretty shallow, topping out at 18 metres, which means plenty of bottom time to explore the rocky terrain. We generally see schools of demoiselles flickering over the reef, and it’s a good spot to just take it easy and watch the small stuff.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.445700, 174.924900
Maximum Depth
18m
Difficulty
Intermediate

Marine Protected Area: Moturekareka Is

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 Flat Rock

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 Flat Rock

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