Nursery Cove & The Labyrinth - Poor Knights Islands

The Ring of Fire site in Sulawesi delivers a solid wall dive, but with a twist. Instead of just a sheer drop, we get a gradual slope towards the end, which really diversifies the scenery. Down to 13 metres, it’s a pretty relaxed depth, making it good for extending bottom time to really scrutinise the wall. We’ve found a nice collection of nudibranchs here, along with various shrimp and crabs tucked into the crevices. Look out for the purple goby, it’s a striking little fish. Visibility averages around 20 metres, so there’s usually a good chance of spotting a blacktip reef shark or an eagle ray passing through the blue. It’s a good choice for divers who enjoy taking their time over macro subjects but still appreciate a chance at something bigger.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.475700, 174.737700
Type
reef

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 Nursery Cove & The Labyrinth

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 Nursery Cove & The Labyrinth

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 are the typical depths for scuba diving in Nursery Cove and The Labyrinth?
The dive at Nursery Cove & The Labyrinth is generally shallow and easy. Divers can expect a maximum depth of 17m, with the deepest sand line at the entrance reaching 18m. This makes it an accessible site for various experience levels.
What marine life and underwater features can divers expect to encounter at Nursery Cove & The Labyrinth?
Divers at Nursery Cove & The Labyrinth can explore numerous rock formations and discover exciting swim-throughs in "The Labyrinth" area. The site boasts abundant fish life and diverse micro life thriving on the rocks, including various nudibranchs. Keep an eye out for the resident green turtle, a special highlight of this dive.
Is Nursery Cove & The Labyrinth a difficult dive site, suitable for beginners or experienced divers?
While described as an "easy shallow dive" in a sheltered bay, Nursery Cove & The Labyrinth is officially rated as an intermediate difficulty dive site. This suggests it's suitable for divers with some experience, offering a good balance for those beyond beginner level but not requiring advanced skills.
What is the best season or time of year to dive at Nursery Cove & The Labyrinth?
The provided data does not specify the best season or time of year to dive at Nursery Cove & The Labyrinth. For general information on optimal diving conditions in New Zealand, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certification level is needed to dive Nursery Cove & The Labyrinth?
Given its "intermediate" difficulty rating, Nursery Cove & The Labyrinth is best suited for certified divers with some experience. While not explicitly stated, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent is generally recommended for intermediate sites to ensure comfort and safety.
How are the currents and general water conditions at the Nursery Cove & The Labyrinth dive site?
Nursery Cove & The Labyrinth is located in a sheltered bay, suggesting generally calm water conditions. Divers can expect good visibility, averaging around 14m, which allows for clear views of the abundant marine life and underwater features. The data does not provide specific details on currents.