Reotahi Bay - Poor Knights Islands

Sturges Bank, just inside the main harbour, is a spot we consistently head back to. It’s not about dramatic drop-offs or swim-throughs here. Instead, you find these lovely, undulating coral hills, all dusted with sand chutes, topping out around 16 metres. We love drifting along the edges, spotting Goldspot Gobies and their shrimp partners darting into burrows – a really endearing little dance. It’s a shallower, relaxed dive, perfect for working on your photography or just enjoying the slow pace. Keep an eye out for juvenile parrotfish and grunt schools in the quieter corners; they’re often tucked into the crevices. If you’re looking for a gentle, easy dive with consistent macro life and a good chance to spot those smaller, shyer reef creatures, Sturges Bank is a solid pick.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.826600, 174.497100
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Whangarei Harbour

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 Reotahi Bay

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 Reotahi Bay

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 diving depth at Reotahi Bay, and does it vary in different areas?
At Reotahi Bay, divers typically explore depths down to a maximum of 9m. The dive profile involves descending to explore old mooring blocks and boulders on the sand, then ascending into oyster-covered boulders, and finally crossing seagrass back to the exit point. This allows for exploration across varying depths within the 9m limit.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Reotahi Bay?
Divers at Reotahi Bay can expect to encounter diverse underwater features, including old mooring blocks and boulders on the sand, as well as oyster-covered boulders and extensive seagrass beds. Marine life sightings often include bubble snails, and with luck, seahorses or pipefish in the seagrass. On the sandy areas, you might spot goatfish, snapper, parore, starfish, and potentially even a snake eel, making it a rewarding dive for wildlife enthusiasts.
How challenging is diving at Reotahi Bay, especially considering the currents around Motukaroro Island?
Diving at Reotahi Bay is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive. The provided data does not contain specific information regarding currents around Motukaroro Island, so divers should always consult local conditions and dive guides for the most current information.
What are the best times or tidal conditions for diving at Reotahi Bay to ensure good visibility and manageable currents?
The provided data for Reotahi Bay does not specify the best times or tidal conditions for optimal visibility and manageable currents. Divers can expect an average visibility of 4m. For up-to-date information on ideal diving conditions, it's always best to check local dive reports or consult with local dive operators, as detailed on our When to Dive page.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required for diving at Reotahi Bay?
Given that Reotahi Bay is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive, a basic Open Water certification is generally sufficient, but divers with more experience will find it more enjoyable. While no specific advanced certifications are explicitly required by the provided data, having experience with shore dives and navigating varied underwater terrain is beneficial for this site.
What are the typical water conditions, including currents and visibility, that divers might encounter at Reotahi Bay?
At Reotahi Bay, divers can typically expect an average visibility of 4m. The provided data does not include specific information about typical current conditions at this site. It is always recommended to check local dive conditions on the day of your dive for the most accurate information.