Plongée à Poor Knights Islands — New Zealand

The Poor Knights Islands sit where subtropical and temperate waters collide, creating a unique mix of tropical species at the edge of their range. Rikoriko Cave — the world's largest sea cave — is the centerpiece, but the arches, walls, and kelp forests host 125+ fish species. Jacques Cousteau rated it one of the world's top 10 dive sites.

Score
53.3
Visibilité
15–40m
Température
14–25°C
Meilleurs mois
February, June
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World Class
Intermediate
Poor Knights Islands
New ZealandAsia-Pacific
53.3

SCORE

-35.4750°N

174.7333°E

The Poor Knights Islands sit where subtropical and temperate waters collide, creating a unique mix of tropical species at the edge of their range. Rikoriko Cave — the world's largest sea cave — is the centerpiece, but the arches, walls, and kelp forests host 125+ fish species. Jacques Cousteau rated it one of the world's top 10 dive sites.

Jacques Cousteau's Top 10 Pick

Visibility15–40 m
Temperature14–25°C
Max Depth40 m
Currentmoderate
2-Tank Dive$130
Best MonthsFebruary, June
CertificationOpen WaterIntermediate

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML26.0CH31.0VIS85.0SV42.0TMP48.0DA62.0OP78.0TS64.0GT68.0VAL48.0CRD57.0SP57.0

Marine Life

26.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
32
Megafauna Encounters
0
Reef Fish Abundance
66
Macro Life
0
Endemic Species
30
Marine Life Diversity
26.0
Coral & Reef Health
31.0
Visibility & Conditions
85.0
Dive Site Variety
42.0
Water Temperature
48.0
Depth & Access
62.0
Operator Quality
78.0
Topside Experience
64.0
Getting There
68.0
Value & Cost
48.0
Crowding
57.0
Social Proof
57.0

Key Species

Dive Types

wreckpelagic

Traveling with Non-Divers?

Your non-diving travel companions will find plenty to enjoy topside while you're underwater. Here are some activities to consider.

Activities for Non-Divers

snorkelingkayaking sea cavesTutukaka Coast walksdolphin watching boat trips

Nearby Cultural Sites

  • Whangarei Town Basin & Clapham Clock Museum

Non-Diver Score

4/10

Limited topside — plan ahead for non-diving partners.

Family FriendlyYes
Restaurants & Nightlifebasic

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber200 km — Royal New Zealand Navy Hyperbaric Unit, Auckland
Nearest Hospital30 km

Hospital in Whangarei (30 min); chamber requires helicopter or drive to Auckland (2.5 hrs)

Skill LevelIntermediate
Current Strengthmoderate

Top Operators

Dive! Tutukaka

PADI

4.8
310 reviewsNITROX

Pacific Hideaway

SSI

4.6
140 reviews