Simpson Rock - Poor Knights Islands

Tormentos Reef has a reputation, and for good reason. It’s one of those spots where you can drift along with a comfortable current, just taking it all in. We often drop in at the north end and let the flow carry us south, past impressive coral formations. Keep an eye on the sandy patches; we’ve had some fantastic encounters here. Nurse sharks are a common sight, often resting under ledges, and we’ve spotted turtles munching on sponges more times than we can count. The visibility is usually excellent, giving you clear views of the resident barracudas hovering mid-water. For those who like a leisurely drift and a good chance of seeing larger reef inhabitants, Tormentos is a top pick. It’s not a deep dive, maxing out around 18 metres, which means plenty of bottom time to explore. We’d suggest going in the morning; the light can be stunning through the water, especially when it catches the schools of bluestriped grunt.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.007500, 175.119400
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Mokohinau 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 Simpson 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 Simpson 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