The MUC (Majestic Unicorn Cove)
Protected Area
Cape Rodney-Okakari Point
Why dive here
With 79+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, hammerhead sharks, humpback whales and orcas - The MUC (Majestic Unicorn Cove) offers some of Poor Knights Islands's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 15-22°C, warmest January, February, March.
The MUC, or Majestic Unicorn Cove, at the Poor Knights Islands, is one of our absolute favourites for a late afternoon dip. We’d suggest you aim for an hour before sunset, when the light shifts to a warm, golden glow across the sandy bottom. The cove itself is fairly shallow, topping out at around 11 metres, but it offers a surprisingly diverse array of life given its humble depth. We love drifting over the sand, keeping an eye out for sandperch darting into their burrows or the delicate fronds of European fan-worms swaying with the gentle surge. It’s a fantastic spot for macro, with smooth hammerheads occasionally cruising by in the deeper water if you’re lucky, and we’ve spotted spitlure frogfish here too, which is always a treat. Don’t rush it. Take your time scanning the bottom and the rocky edges. The visibility averages around 7 metres, so it’s not about seeing huge distances, but rather appreciating the intimate details close at hand. We find it perfect for photographers and anyone who enjoys a relaxed dive without the pressure of strong currents or deep profiles. Just remember those steep steps from the carpark on the way back up!
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Nearest Dive Centres to The MUC (Majestic Unicorn Cove)
Dive shops near The MUC (Majestic Unicorn Cove)
GOAT ISLAND DIVE and SNORKEL
NEW ZEALAND DIVING
Auckland Scuba - Silverdale
Reviews for The MUC (Majestic Unicorn Cove)
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for The MUC (Majestic Unicorn Cove)
The MUC (Majestic Unicorn Cove) Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for The MUC (Majestic Unicorn Cove), sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-35.84, 174.61) (14km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
16°C
60°F · Range: 14.8–17.1°C
Current Speed
11.4 cm/s
Direction: SE (142.1°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.388 mg/m³
Moderate productivity
Salinity
35.44 PSU
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)
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