Southern Arch - Poor Knights Islands

Turtle Beach, despite its name, isn't always about the turtles. Sure, you might spot a green sea turtle snoozing on the sand, but our real draw here is the shark action. Drop down to around 10-12 metres and settle in; the resident grey reef sharks, blacktips, and whitetips are reliably curious. We love the feeling of them circling closer with each pass, especially when the light filters down through the gin-clear water. It's a mellow dive, maxing out at 14 metres, making it perfect for newer divers keen for some close encounters without the usual current drama. Just remember, this site is weather-dependent. If there's a westerly swell, we'd suggest skipping it and heading elsewhere, as it gets pretty uncomfortable near Turks Reef. When conditions are calm, though, the visibility can push past 20 metres, making those shark passes even more dramatic. Keep an eye out for the colourful parade of parrotfish and triggerfish along the reef edge between shark sightings.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.491300, 174.741400
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 Southern Arch

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 Southern Arch

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 depth range for diving at the Southern Arch dive site?
The Southern Arch dive site has a maximum depth of 20m. Divers can expect to find depths around 10m at the northern end of the arch, with the impressive structure sloping deeper towards the south.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at the Southern Arch?
Divers at Southern Arch will explore an impressive, steep archway with vertical sides, characteristic of a vibrant reef environment. The strong currents often attract large schools of fish, while the walls are adorned with a variety of invertebrates and colorful nudibranchs.
How difficult is the Southern Arch dive, and what are the main challenges or risks?
The Southern Arch is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive. The primary challenge and risk at this site is the potential for strong currents, which divers should be prepared to manage.
What is the best time of year or day to dive the Southern Arch for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data does not specify a best time of year or day for optimal conditions at Southern Arch. However, divers can generally expect an average visibility of 18m at this site. For more general information on dive conditions, please consult our When to Dive guide.
What specific diving certifications are required to dive the Southern Arch safely?
The provided data does not specify particular diving certifications required for Southern Arch. Given its intermediate difficulty, divers should possess appropriate training and experience for such conditions, including managing strong currents. We recommend consulting with local dive operators for specific certification requirements.
What are the usual current conditions and visibility like at the Southern Arch dive site?
Divers visiting Southern Arch should be prepared for potentially strong current conditions. Despite this, the site typically offers excellent underwater clarity, with an average visibility of 18m.