Poor Knights Islands Snorkelling Guide: Northland's Subtropical Marine Reserve

Overview

The Poor Knights Islands sit about 22 km off Northland's east coast. They're the remains of ancient volcanoes, and the sea has hollowed them into a web of caves, tunnels, arches and sheer cliffs. DOC notes that Jacques Cousteau rated them one of the top ten dive sites in the world.

The surrounding sea became New Zealand's second marine reserve in 1981. It has been fully protected since 1998, out to 800 m from the islands.

What it's like underwater

DOC describes a huge variety of habitats:

• Kelp forest in the sunlit shallows.
• Sponge gardens and gorgonian fields home to fish, shellfish, urchins and anemones.
• Archways, among the most interesting places to explore, where nutrient-rich water feeds animals on the walls.
• Stingrays, which cruise the archways in the warmer months.

The cliffs drop to about 100 m below sea level, so snorkellers see only the top of a much deeper world.

Getting there

The Poor Knights are reached by boat only. The main departure point is Tutukaka Marina, about 30 minutes' drive from Whangārei.

You can't land on any part of the islands or rocks, and boats can't tie up to the shore. The rule protects the islands from fire and from pests such as rats. The islands are the only nesting place of the Buller's shearwater, and tuatara also live there.

Guided snorkel trips

Dive! Tutukaka runs trips to the Poor Knights where you can snorkel in the reserve while divers explore below. All snorkel and dive equipment is provided. Bring a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen and warm layers for the boat.

Best time to go

Trips run year round. According to Dive! Tutukaka:

• Summer (December–March) has the warmest water, about 20–23 °C.
• Winter has the best visibility.

The crossing is in open sea, so trips depend on the weather. Allow a spare day if you can.

Who it suits

Snorkelling here suits confident swimmers who are comfortable getting in and out of the water from a boat, offshore. If you've never snorkelled, try a calm beach first, such as Goat Island or Gemstone Bay.

Reserve rules

• No fishing of any kind, from a boat or from shore.
• No taking or disturbing marine life, including shellfish and seaweed.
• No feeding the fish.
• Penalties under the Marine Reserves Act 1971 can include confiscation of equipment and vessels, fines and imprisonment.

Cultural significance

Ngātiwai are kaitiaki (guardians) of the islands. In 1822, the chief Te Tātua placed a tapu on the islands following the massacre of his people while he and his warriors were away.

Nearby

Stay in Tutukaka or Whangārei. See our Whangārei city guide.