The Plateau - Poor Knights Islands

The Vis Island Wall isn't just a wall, it’s an entire ecosystem built around a history lesson. We've always found ourselves drawn to sites that tell a story, and this one whispers tales from WWII, with a good-sized wreck resting against the drop-off. You descend onto the deck, maybe 25-30 metres, and the first thing that hits you is the sheer scale, the way it leans into the blue. What makes it special for us is how the wreck has become part of the reef. Scarlet coral blazes bright red in the torchlight, and we’ve seen hake tucked into every crevice, alongside shy blotched picarel. Keep an eye out for the odd cowfish grazing on the metal hull, and once, we even spotted a brown skate gliding over what used to be the cargo hold. This is a dive that suits those who appreciate a wreck with a living, breathing component, not just rust. Go early in the morning, before any wind picks up, for the best light on the coral.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.172900, 175.078600
Type
wreck

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 The Plateau

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 The Plateau

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