Poor Knights Islands

Islands Island marine reserve famous for rich scuba diving

The Poor Knights Islands marine reserve off Northland is prized for clear water, kelp forests, sea caves and dive sites; boat operators run snorkeling and scuba trips from Tutukaka.

The Poor Knights Islands are a small group of islands off the east coast of New Zealand’s Northland Region, designated as a marine reserve and noted for exceptionally rich marine biodiversity.

Famous among divers and snorkelers, the islands offer underwater arches, caves and kelp forests with strong visibility and dense fish life; popular dive features include sea caves and the Cathedral dive site. Boat trips, guided snorkel tours and permitted fishing/boating are the main visitor activities rather than onshore tourism.

The islands formed from ancient volcanic activity and their isolation has allowed unique marine communities to persist; the marine reserve was formally established in 1981 to protect these habitats. Over time restrictions on fishing and landing have been put in place to preserve seabird and marine life.

They sit off the Tutukaka coast in Northland, accessible only by boat from the mainland; landings are limited and often require a permit or travel with licensed operators.

Marine reserve status: Declared a marine reserve in 1981, with strict protections for marine life and no-take rules applying to surrounding waters.
Diving and access: World-class diving with clear water, kelp beds and swim-through caves-day trips and liveaboard dives operate from Tutukaka and the Northland coast.

What to See #

Tawhiti Rahi: The largest island in the group, located at the core of the reserve and containing the main landing sites used by permitted tour operators.
Rikoriko Cave: A large sea cave and submerged arch system accessed by boat and popular with snorkelers and divers for its swim-throughs and lighting effects.
The Cathedral: An underwater cavern and arch formation famed among divers for towering rock walls, vertical relief and abundant marine life.

How to Get to Poor Knights Islands #

The Poor Knights Islands are offshore from Tutukaka on the Northland coast and are reached only by boat. Licensed tour and dive operators run regular boat departures from Tutukaka Marina; Tutukaka is approximately a 30-40 minute drive (roughly 30-35 km) northeast of Whangārei via State Highway 1 and local connecting roads. Plan to arrive at the Tutukaka marina; no public road access exists to the islands themselves.

Tips for Visiting Poor Knights Islands #

Book a day trip with a licensed Tutukaka operator and go on a calm‑sea day-most access to the Poor Knights for diving or snorkeling departs from Tutukaka and conditions strongly affect visibility.
Plan for summer months (Southern Hemisphere) when sea conditions and water temperature are most favorable and operators run regular trips; landing on the islands is restricted, so use authorized operators for any shore or dive activities.