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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth for diving at Northern Arch?
The maximum recommended depth for diving at Northern Arch is 25m. While the Arch itself bottoms out at over 36m and the northern side slopes down to 50m+, divers should adhere to the 25m limit for a safe and enjoyable experience.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Northern Arch?
Divers at Northern Arch can expect to encounter a vibrant array of marine life, including very large Kingfish and snapper, especially around stingrays during the summer months. Large schools of Blue Mao mao are also a common sight. The site features an impressive archway with interesting structure on either side, and the floor is beautifully covered with sponges. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Northern Arch dive site, and what level of diving experience is recommended?
The Northern Arch dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for divers with some experience. This rating is partly due to the presence of current, which can add an extra challenge. Divers should be comfortable with drift diving or have experience in similar conditions.
What is the best time of year to dive Northern Arch for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
For optimal marine life sightings at Northern Arch, the summer months are highly recommended. During this time, divers are more likely to observe very large Kingfish and snapper cruising the archway alongside stingrays. While specific details on other optimal conditions are not provided, summer generally offers favorable diving weather. For general information on seasonal diving, check our when to dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive Northern Arch?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly stated, given the Northern Arch is rated as an intermediate dive site with a maximum depth of 25m and potential currents, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is highly recommended. This level of training will ensure divers have the necessary skills and experience to safely navigate the site's conditions and explore its deeper features.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like when diving Northern Arch?
When diving Northern Arch, divers should anticipate current conditions, as the site is known to often have current. The average visibility at this renowned site is typically around 16m, offering good opportunities to appreciate the diverse marine life and impressive underwater structures.