Oculina Point - Poor Knights Islands

Diving the R.M.S. Maitai is a proper history lesson, but one you can swim through. This isn’t a pristine, intact ship; she ran aground on Christmas Day 1916, and over a century of Rarotongan surf has really taken its toll. What’s left is scattered across the reef, a kind of archaeological puzzle in 10 to 17 metres. We love how the reef has just swallowed the remains – it’s a living wreck. The engine block is the star, poking out of the water like a permanent monument, but below, you’ll find bits of superstructure, the rudder, and a surprisingly intact driveshaft. Look closely at the boilers; they’re caked in coral, and we’ve spotted tiny Arc-eye Hawkfish perched like sentinels. The Midget Chromis hover in clouds over the coral-encrusted metal, and those Red Squirrelfish always seem to be darting into the shadows. Visibility averages around 21 metres, which gives you a good sense of the sheer size of the wreck's footprint. It’s an easy dive, good for anyone comfortable navigating a bit of surge, and our pick for a second dive of the day when you want something a bit different.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.485000, 174.732900
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 Oculina Point

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 Oculina Point

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