Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand
    Cape Rodney-Okakari Point

    Leigh Reef

    Best months: Jan–Apr

    Protected Area

    Cape Rodney-Okakari Point

    Why dive here

    With 79+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, hammerhead sharks, humpback whales and orcas - Leigh Reef offers some of Poor Knights Islands's richest cave 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
    CharacterCave dive
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    Leigh Reef, nestled just outside the Poor Knights' main protected area, feels like a secret handshake among local divers. Maximum depth here is 16 metres, but don’t let that fool you. We've often seen kingfish schooling so thick they dim the light, baitfish shimmering like a silver cloud. It’s an adrenaline hit, a real wild card. We absolutely love this spot, especially when you catch it around slack tide, which is critical. The currents can roar through here, so a good boat handler on the surface is not just nice to have, it's essential. Visibility averages 7 metres, which means you’re often diving into a bustling, slightly mysterious world. Look closely along the southern walls; there are some small caves and overhangs crammed with life. This site is definitely one for the experienced diver who appreciates a lively, action-packed dive rather than a leisurely drift.

    Safety Notes

    Overhead environment - never enter without proper cave/cavern training, redundant equipment, and a guideline.

    Today05:4418:3212h 48m daylightGolden hour 17:58

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Leigh Reef

    Leigh Reef Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Leigh Reef, 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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