Trevor’s Rocks - Poor Knights Islands

Arrecife Norte offers a decent wall dive, starting shallow at 8 meters before dropping to 15m. From there, it’s a gentle slope down to 24 meters, navigating between coral mounds. The reef here is healthy; we’ve spotted plenty of reef fish, and occasionally a nurse shark or stingray cruising by. Visibility averages around 11 meters, so it’s not always crystal, but it’s a good spot for a relaxed dive if you’re looking for a bit of wall action in the Tayrona area.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.478000, 174.737300
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 Trevor’s Rocks

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 Trevor’s Rocks

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 maximum depth for diving at Trevor's Rocks?
The maximum depth for diving at Trevor's Rocks is 17m. There is also a lovely sand patchy shallow area with depths ranging from 3-12m, which is perfect for beginners and snorkelers.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Trevor's Rocks?
At Trevor's Rocks, divers can explore the beautiful El Torito arch, a shallow archway teeming with demoiselles and blue mao mao. The site also features a series of three pinnacles, each offering unique characteristics. You can frequently encounter diverse marine life such as maomao, demoiselles, schools of kingfish, rays, eels, and a resident green turtle. For more information on species, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is the Trevor's Rocks dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Trevor's Rocks is generally rated as an intermediate difficulty dive site. However, it is also highly suitable for beginner divers and snorkelers due to its lovely sand patchy shallow area, which has depths ranging from 3-12m. This makes it a versatile site for various experience levels.
What is the best time of year to dive at Trevor's Rocks for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Trevor's Rocks for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general guidance on seasonality for diving, please refer to our when to dive section.
Are there any specific dive certifications required to dive at Trevor's Rocks?
The provided data does not specify any particular dive certifications required to dive at Trevor's Rocks. It is always recommended to dive within the limits of your certification and experience. You might also want to check our equipment section for general gear recommendations.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Trevor's Rocks?
At Trevor's Rocks, divers can typically expect an average visibility of 17m, offering excellent viewing opportunities. Information regarding the typical current conditions at this specific dive site is not available in the provided data.