Whangarei Heads Old Women - Poor Knights Islands

Apopka Spring offers a cave diving experience, best suited for those with proper training and equipment. The main draw here is the intricate system of submerged passages rather than a focus on marine life. Expect dark, silty conditions and tight squeezes, making it a dive for experienced cave divers looking for a technical challenge.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-35.854400, 174.588600
Type
cenote

Marine Protected Area: Bream 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 Whangarei Heads Old Women

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 Whangarei Heads Old Women

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 Whangarei Heads Old Women?
For diving at Whangarei Heads Old Women, the typical depth range extends from approximately 12 meters along the rocky, kelpy shoreline down to the sand line, with a maximum depth of 13 meters. While the immediate site is shallower, divers exploring further away from shore along the sand line can discover spectacular pinnacles reaching depths of up to 30 meters. This site is accessible by boat only.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Whangarei Heads Old Women?
Divers at Whangarei Heads Old Women can explore a diverse underwater landscape featuring a rocky, kelpy shoreline that slopes down to a sand line. The area boasts cool pinnacles and swim-throughs, with even more spectacular pinnacles found at deeper sections. A rich variety of marine life awaits, including Snapper, Moki species, Parore, Goatfish, Kingfish, John Dory, and Stingrays, alongside small numbers of Crayfish and numerous other invertebrates thriving amongst the kelp and on the sand.
How challenging is the Whangarei Heads Old Women dive site, and what skill level is recommended?
The Whangarei Heads Old Women dive site is rated as intermediate in difficulty, making it suitable for divers with some experience beyond entry-level. Divers should be comfortable with boat access and navigating a rocky, kelpy environment with potential for deeper exploration to 30m pinnacles. An intermediate skill level ensures a safe and enjoyable experience exploring its unique features.
What are the optimal conditions and best time of year to dive at Whangarei Heads Old Women for good visibility and calm seas?
The provided data for Whangarei Heads Old Women indicates an average visibility of 7 meters. However, specific information regarding optimal conditions or the best time of year for good visibility and calm seas is not available in our current database. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions in New Zealand, please consult our When to Dive resource.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving at Whangarei Heads Old Women?
Given the Whangarei Heads Old Women dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty, a certification level beyond Open Water Diver, such as Advanced Open Water or equivalent, is generally recommended. This ensures divers have the necessary skills for boat access, navigating varied topography, and potentially exploring deeper sections to 30 meters where more spectacular pinnacles are found. Always consult with local dive operators for their specific requirements and recommendations.
What are the typical current and swell conditions like at Whangarei Heads Old Women, and how do they affect diving?
Our current data for Whangarei Heads Old Women does not specify the typical current or swell conditions, nor how they might affect diving at this site. As access is by boat only, local dive operators will have the most up-to-date information on daily conditions and their impact on dive plans. Always check with them before planning your dive.