Dive Review of
Dive Tutukaka in
New Zealand/Poor Knights Islands

 New Jersey, California, Florida, Most of the Carribean islands and Bahamas 

Dive Conditions

Dive with buddy  

[None]  

Overall Rating

On a trip to New Zealand with my non-diving spouse, managed to get in three
days of diving in New Zealand. New Zealand is said to have more divers per
capita than any other country and the diving at Poor Knights Islands (on
the East Coast of the North Island) helps you understand why. Poor Kights
is a series of volcanic peaks some miles off the east coast of the North
Island. The unique aspect of Poor Knights is that it is a complete
sanctuary -- no boats are allowed to land on the islands and the animal
life is totally protected -- something like the Galapagos without the
people. Beneath the surface we encountered huge stingrays cruising the
channel and tunnel between two islands. They looked like battleships but
swam like eagle rays. Also saw large schools of fish, eels, scorpionfish,
etc.
The highlight was a large Manta Ray that passed below me just after I
surfaced.  I believe it was Cousteau who said that the Poor Knights offered
"the best sub-tropical diving in the world". So if you are
planning a trip to New Zealand, where there is much to do that does not
involve diving (whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, world class fishing,
amazing hiking, etc.), don't pass on the diving. It is sub-tropical, with
the water temperature running 69-72 degrees F. (21-22 C.) and air at a
lovely 79 degrees in early March (end of their summer) but fine in the
appropriate wetsuit. 

Questions?
Send an email to the author of this report

What others have to say about Undercurrent
And get immediate access to ALL 8 dive reviews of New Zealand
and all other dive destinations immediately!