Riko Riko cave - Poor Knights Islands

Sunrise Beach is a mellow shore dive, perfect for a relaxed afternoon. We’ve found the reef wall has some interesting hard corals, particularly where the oysters and whip corals fill the gaps. Out from the channel, the sandy bottom is dotted with coral bommies, home to plenty of little things if you take your time, like dotted wrasse and bicolor blennies. It’s a good spot for newer divers, or anyone keen to potter about in shallower water, maxing out at 11m. You might even catch a glimpse of the resident rays and eels.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.481800, 174.734200
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 Riko Riko cave

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 Riko Riko cave

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

How deep is Riko Riko cave for diving?
The maximum depth for diving in Riko Riko cave is 19 meters. This makes it accessible for a wide range of certified divers.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can you see when diving in Riko Riko cave?
Riko Riko cave is renowned as the largest sea cave in the southern hemisphere, offering an impressive underwater feature to explore. Divers can encounter a variety of marine life, including Mado, Lord Howe Coral Fish, and large schools of Blue Maomao gathering at the back of the cave. For those diving at night, nocturnal Nudibranchs are often seen.
Is Riko Riko cave a difficult dive site, or is it suitable for all diver levels?
Riko Riko cave is classified with an intermediate difficulty, making it a great dive site for many experience levels. While not suitable for absolute beginners, it offers an accessible experience for certified divers beyond entry-level.
What is the best time of year or day to dive Riko Riko cave for optimal conditions and light?
While the data doesn't specify a best time of year, Riko Riko cave is noted as a good spot for a night dive. Diving at night offers a unique opportunity to observe nocturnal Nudibranchs. For general optimal conditions, checking local dive operator information or our When to Dive guide for the Poor Knights Islands is recommended.
Do I need special certifications to dive Riko Riko cave, or is Open Water sufficient?
Given that Riko Riko cave is rated with an intermediate difficulty, an Open Water certification combined with some experience would generally be sufficient. However, divers should always assess their comfort level and consider advanced training if they feel it would enhance their safety and enjoyment in such environments.
What are the typical water conditions and currents like inside and around Riko Riko cave?
The average visibility for diving in Riko Riko cave is 16 meters, offering clear views of its impressive size and marine life. The provided data does not specify typical water temperatures or current conditions inside and around the cave. Divers should consult local dive operators for the most current information on water conditions before planning their dive.