Maomao Arch - Poor Knights Islands

Pelican Rock, just a short boat ride from Playas del Coco, is one of those sites we always recommend for a relaxed afternoon. Don't let the "shallow training site" tag fool you; there's plenty to keep an experienced eye busy, even if you’re only dropping to 8 or 10 metres. We love cruising over the sandy bottom between the two main pinnacles, keeping an eye out for rays - we've spotted a few guitar rays here, which is always a treat, along with stingrays settled into the sand. Peek into the crevices and under ledges formed by the rocks; that's where the morays like to hide. We've seen some beautifully camouflaged hourglass morays peeking out, and the nudibranchs here are surprisingly diverse for a shallow site, often clinging to the rock face. The visibility averages around 10 metres, so it’s not always gin-clear, but it’s usually good enough to appreciate the details, like the delicate triplefins hovering near the rock, or a hand-strapped crab scuttling past. It’s perfect for divers who want to take their time, practice buoyancy, or just enjoy a chill dive without strong currents.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.467300, 174.736700
Type
pinnacle
Maximum Depth
15-30m

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 Maomao Arch

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 Maomao Arch

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 Maomao Arch?
Diving at Maomao Arch offers a varied depth profile. While the maximum depth typically reached during a dive is 19m, the walls outside the arch can extend down to 30m. Inside the arch, the depth shallows up to just 5m, providing a diverse experience for divers.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Maomao Arch?
Divers at Maomao Arch will explore a unique underwater archway connecting the western and eastern sides of the island. On the eastern side, you'll find a group of large boulders and a small cave at around 20m. The colourful walls inside the arch are covered by vibrant invertebrates, and you can expect to see schools of Pink and Blue Maomao amongst other reef fish; explore more marine life in our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving at Maomao Arch, and what skill level is recommended?
Maomao Arch is classified as an intermediate dive site. This suggests that divers should have a good grasp of buoyancy control and some experience with similar dive conditions. It's an excellent site for those looking to advance their diving skills in a dynamic environment.
What are the best months or seasons to dive at Maomao Arch for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
Information regarding the best months or seasons for optimal conditions and marine encounters at Maomao Arch is not provided in the current data. We recommend checking our when to dive section or consulting local dive operators for seasonal specifics before planning your trip.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Maomao Arch?
Specific scuba diving certification requirements for Maomao Arch are not detailed in the provided information. However, given its intermediate difficulty rating and varied depth profile, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience is generally recommended to safely enjoy this site.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like at Maomao Arch?
Divers at Maomao Arch can typically expect an average visibility of 16m, offering clear views of the vibrant underwater landscape. Information regarding typical current conditions at this specific site is not available in the provided data.