Wonderview - Poor Knights Islands

The B17 in Corsica is one of those Mediterranean wrecks we keep coming back to. There's a certain magic to seeing such a massive plane, especially knowing its history, resting on the seabed. We love dropping down and watching the light play on the fuselage, often spotting the huge conger eels that have made their home deep inside. The plane is surprisingly intact, considering its age, and you can still make out the cockpit, the gun turrets, and the wings spread wide. Navigating around the bomb bay is always a highlight; schools of barracuda often circle just above it, creating this incredible, shimmering curtain. It's a dive that rewards slow exploration, peering into every opening. We'd suggest going in the late morning, as the sun angle then really illuminates the wreck's structure. The visibility here is usually excellent, so you get a full view of the B17's impressive scale from a distance before you even get close. It's a site that really suits divers who appreciate a wreck with a story.

Location
Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-36.298000, 174.804000
Type
wreck

Wreck History - Wonderview

Year Sunk
1944
Vessel Type
aircraft
Cause
scuttled

On Valentine's Day 1944, this B-17G Flying Fortress was returning from a bombing raid on the railway yards of Verona, Italy, when it came under heavy anti-aircraft fire. With one engine destroyed and another failing, the pilot, Lieutenant Chaplick, realized he couldn't make it back to his base. He skillfully navigated the crippled bomber towards the coast of Corsica and performed a perfect water landing in the Bay of Calvi, allowing all ten crew members to escape safely before the plane sank beneath the waves.

Today, the B-17 of Calvi is one of the most famous and beloved aircraft wrecks in the Mediterranean. It rests perfectly upright on a sandy seabed at a depth of 25 meters, looking as if it could take off at any moment. The visibility is often excellent, allowing divers to take in the entire 30-meter wingspan. The cockpit is accessible, the plexiglass nose is intact, and the dorsal and tail gun turrets are still in place. The wreck is a stunning piece of history and a vibrant artificial reef, attracting a variety of marine life, making it a must-do dive for any visitor to Corsica.

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 Wonderview

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 Wonderview

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 at the Wonderview dive site?
The maximum depth for diving at the Wonderview dive site is 14m. While the site's natural slope extends down to sand at 25m, the primary dive area's maximum recommended depth is 14m.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Wonderview?
Divers at Wonderview can expect to explore a very bouldery reef structure teeming with diverse marine life. You'll likely encounter species such as Kingfish, Snapper, Schooling Maomao, Rays, Crayfish, and eels, alongside various types of kelp. For more details on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Wonderview dive site for divers, especially regarding entry and exit?
The Wonderview dive site is rated as intermediate in difficulty. Divers should be aware that entries and exits can be a little tricky due to a steep track, so caution is advised.
What is the best time of year to dive at Wonderview for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Wonderview for optimal conditions. For general information on seasonal diving, you might find our When to Dive guide helpful.
What level of diving certification is recommended or required to dive at Wonderview?
Given that the Wonderview dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty, it is recommended that divers have at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. This ensures you are comfortable with potentially tricky entries and exits and the site's depth profile.
What are the typical current and swell conditions at the Wonderview dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical current and swell conditions at the Wonderview dive site. It's always best to check local conditions and forecasts before planning your dive.