Te Titoki Point - Poor Knights Islands

Wild Hammer, tucked between Wildlife Reef and Hammerhead Hole, is a site we return to often, especially when we're looking for an easy, rewarding afternoon dive. The topography here is a comfortable mix, dropping to a maximum of 17 metres, which means plenty of bottom time to explore. We love hunting for the smaller stuff – keep an eye out for Roughhead Triplefins perched on the coral, or a Mottled Jawfish peering from its burrow. While you might spot a cruising ray, our favourite aspect is the abundant schools of blue tangs and blue chromis, often so thick they shimmer like a curtain. Look closely among the Mustard Hill and Boulder Brain corals for Flamingo Tongues, or the subtle movement of a Spaghetti Eel. Visibility generally hovers around 22 metres, offering clear views of the busy reef life. This site is perfect for newer divers, or anyone who enjoys a relaxed exploration without strong currents, and it’s especially good for photographers wanting to practice their macro skills.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.222400, 175.046000
Type
reef

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 Te Titoki Point

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 Te Titoki Point

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 Te Titoki Point?
At Te Titoki Point, divers can expect a gradual drop-off from the beach. While the sandy bottom eventually drops to over 40 meters, the practical maximum depth for diving at this site is typically around 19 meters. This depth range is suitable for exploring the sandy terrain.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Te Titoki Point?
Divers at Te Titoki Point will primarily encounter a sandy bottom with little changing terrain and very few rocks. Marine life is limited, mostly consisting of scallops and occasional fish, which can be explored further in our wildlife database. Compared to nearby rocky reef sites, there is generally less to see here.
How challenging is diving at Te Titoki Point, and what skill level is recommended?
Diving at Te Titoki Point is rated as intermediate difficulty. This suggests that divers should have some prior experience and comfort in varying conditions. While not overly complex, it's best suited for those beyond entry-level certification.
What are the best months or times of year to dive at Te Titoki Point for optimal conditions?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best months or times of year for optimal diving conditions at Te Titoki Point. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving at Te Titoki Point?
Given the intermediate difficulty rating for Te Titoki Point, an Open Water Diver certification is generally recommended as a minimum. Divers with an Advanced Open Water certification may find it more comfortable, especially if exploring the deeper sandy drop-offs. Always dive within your certification limits and comfort level.
What are the usual current and visibility conditions like at Te Titoki Point?
At Te Titoki Point, the average visibility is around 9 meters. This allows for reasonable exploration of the sandy bottom. Information regarding typical current conditions at this site is not available in the provided data.