Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve
Intimate • Informative • Inspiring • Unforgettable
New Zealand's Premier Diving Wonderland
Located 23 kilometres off the east coast of Northland, the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve stands as the crown jewel of New Zealand diving.
Consistently ranked among the world’s top diving destinations, this protected sanctuary offers an underwater experience of unparalleled quality and diversity that will captivate even the most experienced diver.
The Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve represents the ultimate New Zealand diving experience. It provides access to one of the planet’s most extraordinary underwater environments.
Jacques Cousteau himself ranked the Poor Knights among his top ten diving locations globally, a testament to the exceptional nature of this underwater paradise.
For people seeking the very best of New Zealand diving, the Poor Knights deliver an experience that exceeds even the highest expectations.
World-Class Underwater Environment
The Poor Knights boast extraordinary diving conditions:
- Exceptional water clarity with visibility frequently exceeding 30 meters
- Subtropical currents create a unique ecosystem unlike anywhere else in New Zealand
- Dramatic underwater architecture, including caves, arches, walls, and tunnels
- The famous Rikoriko Cave, the largest sea cave in the Southern Hemisphere
- Year-round diving with comfortable temperatures ranging from 14°C to 22°C
The Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve
The ultimate New Zealand diving experience
Spectacular Marine Biodiversity
The marine reserve status has created an underwater paradise:
- Over 125 fish species, including huge schools of blue maomao and demoiselles
- Encounters with kingfish, snapper, and Lord Howe coralfish
- Dense forests of kelp and other marine plants
- Vibrant nudibranchs and other macro life for photography enthusiasts
- Seasonal visits from manta rays, whales, turtles, and bronze whaler sharks
Iconic Dive Sites
The Poor Knights feature numerous world-renowned diving locations:
- Blue Maomao Arch, with its mesmerising fish schools creating living tunnels
- Northern Arch’s dramatic formations and strong currents attract pelagic species
- Landing Bay Pinnacle’s vertical walls drop to 40+ meters
- Rikoriko Cave’s impressive underwater cavern system
- Jan’s Tunnel, with its stunning light effects piercing through fissures
Conservation Success Story
The islands represent a triumph of marine protection:
- Full marine reserve status since 1981, prohibiting all fishing and collecting
- Spectacular recovery of fish populations and ecosystem health
- Scientific research hub documenting marine conservation benefits
- This is a living example of how protected areas can thrive and regenerate
Complete Diving Experience
The Poor Knights offer advantages for dive operations:
- Suitable for all experience levels, from beginners to technical divers
- A variety of dive profiles within proximity
- Protected from westerly weather patterns
- International reputation drawing diving enthusiasts worldwide
- Comprehensive infrastructure supporting dive tourism
Ready to explore The Poor Knights Islands?
Exploring The Poor Knights Islands with us
Local Knowledge
We know these waters inside out, from marine life to local history, and love sharing stories that make the journey unforgettable.
Small Groups, More Connections
No crowds, no rush. Just space to relax, enjoy, and truly take in the experience.
Comfort and Care Onboard
Step onto our modern 2024 Stabicraft, complete with hot drinks, a friendly crew, and plenty of comfort for a smooth day on the water.
Access to Extraordinary Places
From Great Barrier Island to Whangaroa Harbour, we’ll take you to stunning spots most operators don’t reach.
Safety First
With Maritime NZ certification, top navigation gear, and decades of experience, you can relax knowing you’re in safe hands.
Eco-conscious Adventures
Every charter is run with the environment in mind, because protecting the ocean we love is non-negotiable.
Want to book a trip with us?
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Our customers say…
Sven Franklin
Australia
Had an amazing time out with Blair. He really knows his spots and put us all on to kings! Was an amazing day and easily the best dive I’ve had for the whole of 2017!
Max Schofield
New Zealand
Great boat for getting (quickly) to Great Barrier and the Mokohinaus. Last trip we came up from Wellington stayed locally and Blair really looked after us, including weights.
Gray Bidgood
New Zealand
I have been on three charters with Blair, and will definitely be going on more! He put me onto my first of a bunch of species including Kingfish, Snapper, Trevally, Boarfish and more! No matter the conditions he had a spot to go dive and see awesome territory and fish life.
Hayden Dorman
New Zealand
As a beginner at spearfishing I took my first ever boat trip out with blair an was a epic day.. Blair has great knowledge on selecting spots an also helping with tips and hunting techniques. A very comfortable boat even with a full charter.. Blair runs a awesome friendly trip an do recommend to spearos of any experience always a memorable day.
Esther Stuck
New Zealand
Ocean diversity is a fantastic spearfishing charter! I really enjoyed the couple of times Blair took us out, he is an awesome guide and really knows his stuff. Blair took us to some great spots, and knew when the fish was "on"! We came home with a great haul and even scored a crayfish on our first trip out! Would highly recommend this charter with the pleasure of having a friendly, knowledgeable skipper.
Scott Walker
New Zealand
Blair runs a great charter, and knows the spots, times and tides to pick up great fish. Can't wait to get back out with Oceandiversity.
Wendy
New Zealand
Recently we took a morning boating trip with OceanDIVEsity, departing Marsden Cove, out to the Hen and Chicken Islands off the coast of Bream Bay. We had a great morning. Only six people on board plus Blair and he took us to some really superb places to snorkel.
