Poor Knights Islands
Poor Knights Islands / Tawhiti Rahi
A volcanic island group marine reserve off the Tutukaka coast, hailed as one of the world's top dive sites, with scuba diving, snorkelling and boat trips to Rikoriko Cave.
The Poor Knights Islands lie about 23 km offshore from Tutukaka and are among New Zealand's earliest marine reserves. Warm currents bring subtropical fish, moray eels, stingrays and vast kelp forests, and Jacques Cousteau once ranked the islands among the world's top ten dive sites. The islands themselves are a nature reserve, and landing is prohibited. Visitors leave from the Tutukaka wharf on a day cruise and can choose scuba diving, snorkelling, sea kayaking, or simply a sightseeing boat ride. The boat sails into Rikoriko Cave, one of the largest sea caves in the world by volume, and past the Archway Islands. The day trip takes about 6 hours and must be booked in advance. Those prone to seasickness should bring medication, and trips are cancelled when sea conditions are poor.
Opening hours
Day cruise approx. 08:30–15:00 (subject to sea conditions)
Nearby sights
- Tutukaka Coast
- Matapouri Bay
- Whale Bay
- Sandy Bay
- Ocean Beach
- Bream Head (Te Whara Track)
- Mount Manaia
- Smugglers Bay