Shag Rock - Poor Knights Islands

We’ll be honest, when we first looked at The Wall, we thought, "Is this it?" Max depth 11m, between two reef crests? Sounds… fine. But boy, were we wrong. This isn't your typical Cozumel rip-roaring drift, but it’s exactly why we love it. It’s all about the turtles here, specifically the green turtles. They graze the seagrass, completely unfazed by divers. You can spend an entire dive just watching them. We’ve seen them surface for air, then dive back down, kicking up little puffs of sand as they munch away. The visibility averages 15m, which is decent for a shallower site, and the light filtering through the water is just gorgeous. Beyond the turtles, keep an eye out for larger schooling fish. We’ve spotted big groups of grunts and yellowtail parrotfish. The coral formations here, while not massive, are healthy, with nice stony corals and sea fans adding texture. It’s a very relaxed dive, perfect for photographers or anyone who wants to slow down and really observe. This site suits newer divers or those who prefer a tranquil experience over a high-adrenaline drift. You might even spot a barracuda lurking in the blue.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.268700, 174.795200
Type
wall

Marine Protected Area: Cape Rodney-Okakari Point

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 Shag Rock

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 Shag Rock

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