Northern Arch - Poor Knights Islands

The Reliance wreck in Salvador is one of our favourites for a relaxed dive, especially if you're keen on history without the deep-water commitment. We love how accessible it is, right by Barra's Christ Hill, making it a perfect second dive or a quick dip when you're short on time. Dropping onto the deck, the ship’s engines are still surprisingly intact, a solid skeleton on the sandy bottom, and if you look carefully, you’ll spot a propeller blade poking out. It’s a shallow site, maxing out at 8 meters even at high tide, so you get plenty of bottom time to explore the nooks and crannies. We often find schools of sardines shimmering around the structure, drawing in barracuda and snapper, and the corals are home to vibrant little fish like trunkfish and Brazilian wrasse. Keep an eye out for the elusive long-snout seahorse – they’re masters of camouflage here. The Reliance is brilliant for photographers, or anyone who just wants to take it slow and soak up the atmosphere of a wreck that’s truly become part of the reef.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.448300, 174.732100
Type
wreck

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 Northern 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 Northern 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