Leigh Reef - Poor Knights Islands

Norman Reef’s Caves site, often just called "The Caves" by the liveaboard crews, has always been one of our favourites for a relaxed second dive. It’s got this great mix of shallow, sun-drenched coral gardens for newer divers and some genuinely fun swim-throughs for those who like a bit more exploration. We’ve probably logged more bottom time here just drifting through the dappled light of the larger caverns than anywhere else on Norman. What really gets us about The Caves is the sheer number of those Filament-finned Parrotfish – they’re everywhere, munching away, leaving little puffs of sand. Keep an eye out for green turtles too; they’re regular visitors, often just chilling near the cave mouths. The coral here is fairly resilient, mostly hard corals, with plenty of little nooks for clownfish and their anemones. Visibility usually hovers around 15 metres, which is perfectly good for navigating the twists and turns inside. For the deeper sections, maxing out at 16 metres, you can often spot a white-tip reef shark cruising past. Our best tip? Go early in the morning for the quietest experience and the best light filtering into the swim-throughs.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.292600, 174.824500
Type
cave

Marine Protected Area: Cape Rodney-Okakari Point

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 Leigh Reef

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 Leigh Reef

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 diving depth at Leigh Reef?
At Leigh Reef, divers can expect a maximum depth of 16 meters. This makes it a great site for various certification levels, offering plenty to explore within recreational limits.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Leigh Reef?
Leigh Reef is teeming with marine life, including schooling kingfish and bait fish, offering fantastic opportunities for wildlife viewing. Divers will also discover interesting underwater features such as small caves and walls on the southern side of the reef.
How difficult is diving at Leigh Reef, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Leigh Reef is considered intermediate in difficulty, primarily due to the strong currents that can occur on a moving tide. While not ideal for absolute beginners, experienced divers will find it rewarding, especially when dived around slack tide.
What is the best time of year or tidal condition to dive Leigh Reef?
The best time to dive Leigh Reef is specifically around slack tide and in good conditions to avoid strong currents. While summer can be a popular time for diving, be aware that it is also a busy area for fishing. For more general information on dive seasons, check our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required for diving Leigh Reef?
Given the intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 16 meters at Leigh Reef, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is recommended. While there are small caves, they are generally accessible within recreational limits for divers comfortable with current.
What are the usual current and visibility conditions at Leigh Reef?
Leigh Reef is known for experiencing significant currents on a moving tide, making slack tide the optimal window for diving. Divers can typically expect an average visibility of around 7 meters, which still allows for great views of the abundant marine life.