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Poor Knights Islands

Poor Knights Marine Reserve - click for more.
The sponge gardens and gorgonian fields of the Poor Knights Islands are inhabited by many subtropical fish species.
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Beneath the waves at the Poor Knights Islands, an ocean of diving has been compressed into a relatively small area.

From turbulent sunlit waters and kelp forests on the upper reaches of the tumbling ‘giant staircase’, to the dark waters of the islands' many caves, the Poor Knights offer an extraordinary variety of underwater experiences.

There are sponge gardens and gorgonian fields inhabited by a myriad of fish, shellfish, urchins and anemones. The islands’ famous arches are fascinating to explore, with countless animals competing for space on the walls. In the warmer months, squadrons of stingrays can be seen cruising the waters of the archways.

Many of the subtropical fish living in the marine reserve are found nowhere else in New Zealand. They include subtropical species such as spotted black groper, mosaic moray and Lord Howe coralfish. The fish are known for their friendliness and make visiting the marine reserve a very memorable experience.

Diving and snorkelling are the best ways to enjoy the underwater world of the Poor Knights. A number of charter dive boats operate from Tutukaka Harbour, which is 30 kilometres from Whangarei.

Nursery Cove and some of the shallower parts of South Harbour are great venues for novice divers. Experienced divers can find spectacular and challenging dives all around the islands. Some dive operators have equipment on board to give non-divers an underwater experience.
 


 
NORTHLAND Region

More Information

Find out more about this location on Te Ara - the online encyclopaedia of New Zealand.

Contact Details

Contact: Department of Conservation
Phone:
 +64 9 4302 470
Fax: +64 9 4302 479
Postal: PO Box 842, Whangarei 0140
Website: www.doc.govt.nz/templates/podcover.
aspx?id=33809
Contact: Whangarei i-SITE Visitor Centre
Phone: +64 9 4381 079
Fax: +64 9 4382 943
Postal: Tarewa Park 92 Otaika Road Whangarei New Zealand
Email:
Website: www.whangareinz.org.nz

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