Poor Knights Islands Information

Video | View Hi-Res Poor Knights Islands Video

Map | View detailed map of Poor Knights Islands

Highlights of Northlands

Bay of Islands Information

The Bay of Islands is a micro-region that includes the towns of Opua, Paihia, Russell and Kerikeri..

Russell Information

Accessible by road or a short ferry ride west from Paihia, the tranquil coastal town of Russell, or..

Mangonui Information

Mangonui is the main centre of Doubtless bay and forms part of a string of small settlements. This..

Matauri Bay Information

A short drive north of Kerikeri, Matauri Bay is one of the true coastal delights of the winterless..

Omapere/Opononi Information

The settlements of Opononi and Omapere are situated on the southern shore, near the mouth of..

Waitangi Treaty grounds Information

Situated in the stunning Bay of Islands, the Waitangi Treaty grounds is New Zealands pre eminent..

Hokianga Information

Hokianga-Nui-A-Kupe means 'the place of Kupe's great return'. Many iwi (Maori tribes) trace their..

Doubtless Bay Information

In 1769 Captain James Cook looked in on this expanse of water and declared it was "doubtless a..

Hokianga Harbour Information

The Hokianga is 85 kilometres northwest of Whangarei and 25 kilometres west of Kaikohe on the..

Cape Reinga Information

Cape Reinga is situated at the far end of the north island, where the pacific ocean meets the..

Cavalli Islands and Matauri Bay Info

The Cavalli Islands lie off the coast of Matauri Bay. The main island, Motukawanui, is a nature..

Kauri Cliffs Information

Just a short distance from Matauri Bay, the upmarket Kauri Cliffs Lodge delivers panoramic views to..

Kerikeri Information

Kerikeri is a bustling, rural township in the Bay of Islands. It was the site of one of the first..

Waipoua Kauri Forest Information

Of all New Zealand’s kauri forests, none is more famous than Waipoua Forest on the west coast..

Whangarei Information

Whangarei is a subtropical city by the edge of a beautiful harbour. Mount Parahaki watches over the..

See all locations in Northlands

The Poor Knights islands is a unique marine park situated 25km off the shore of the Tutukaka Coast. Named by Jaques Cousteau as one of the top 10 dive sites in the world, the Islands are famous for their rich diversity of sea life. The waters have visibility of up to 30 meters and the complex underwater environment features steep drop offs, caves, walls, arches and tunnels.

Several operators offer trips out to the islands on fast, comfortable vessels and with knowledgeable guides. The trip takes about an hour each way. As you draw closer to the majestic sheer cliffs of the islands, you'll understand why this location is regarded so highly not just by divers but also sightseers.

It is forbidden to land anywhere on these sacred islands, being both a fiercely protected pristine nature reserve and a place of significant Moari historical importance. Gliding through some of the many natural arches in the the towering cliffs is an experience you will never forget, but even so, don't forget your camera!

There are many sheltered areas to anchor around the islands, so you will always have a calm and tranquil environment to get suited up, check your gear and enjoy the underwater experience. If you're not an experienced diver, there's still plenty to see snorkelling in the warm waters or you can usually organise your first supervised scuba dive with your tour operator.

The islands also feature the the worlds largest sea cave with a sea surface area of one hectare. Over the years, several top international performers such as the Finn brothers of Crowded House and Split Enz fame held special concerts inside the cave.

The Poor Nights are a remarkable destination; not only for the iconic year round diving and snorkeling experience, but also for their the rich and fascinating Maori history.

Visiting Poor Knights Islands?

Videos

Highlights of North Island

Auckland Region Information

Imagine an urban environment where everyone lives within half an hour of beautiful beaches, hiking..

Wellington Region Information

Explore the great outdoors, shop till you drop, sample the culinary delights, and wander..

Rotorua Information

The Rotorua region was the birthplace of New Zealand tourism in the 1800s and it remains one of New..

Wellington Information

Wellington’s many charms lie in part with it's close proximity to the natural attractions of the..

Bay of Plenty Information

Gardens and art are the stars of spring in the Bay of Plenty. The mild climate makes it the perfect..

See all locations in North Island

Poor Knights Islands Information

Highlights of Northlands