Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand
    Cape Rodney-Okakari Point

    The MUC (Majestic Unicorn Cove)

    Best months: Jan–Apr

    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.

    Best timeJan–Apr
    WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit
    Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Dolphins, Hammerhead Sharks, Humpback Whales and Orcas · 79+ species recorded
    Water15-22°C · warmest January, February, March
    CharacterWreck dive
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    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.

    Today05:4418:3312h 48m daylightGolden hour 17:58

    Nearest Dive Centres to The MUC (Majestic Unicorn Cove)

    Dive shops near The MUC (Majestic Unicorn Cove)

    View all dive centres in Poor Knights Islands

    Reviews for The MUC (Majestic Unicorn Cove)

    Sign in to write a review

    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)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    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)

    Plan & book

    Ways to dive Poor Knights Islands, from day trips to liveaboards.

    Day trips & courses

    via GetYourGuide

    Guided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.

    Find dive trips in Poor Knights Islands

    Places to stay

    via Booking.com

    Hotels and dive resorts near Poor Knights Islands.

    Search stays in Poor Knights Islands

    Dive insurance

    Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.

    Dive insurance explained

    Partner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money

    Where to Stay near The MUC (Majestic Unicorn Cove)

    Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Back to Poor Knights Islands