The Poor Knights are considered to be the top dive location of New Zealand.
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The Poor Knights are undoubtedly the jewel in the crown of New Zealand diving. A marine reserve since 1981 this subtropical reef system presents a stunning diversity of reef fish, pelagic, sponges, anemones, nudibranchs and sea weeds - so good that Jacques Cousteau rated the Poor Knights as one of the top 10 dive sites in the world. And more recently it was voted the best sub tropical diving in the World by Diver magazine (UK).
The eroded remains of a group of volcanoes which erupted around 11 million years ago, the steep cliffs which fringe the islands plummet 100 meters below sea level in places, before reaching a sandy sea floor. The diving here is superb, with very good visibility up to 30 meters - rich marine life and photographic opportunities. The islands are bathed by a warm subtropical current and fish include tropical species such as spotted black groper, mosaic moray and Lord Howe coral fish, which are rarely found elsewhere in New Zealand waters. Reef fish at the Poor Knights include pink and blue maomao, and two-spot demoiselle, kingfish, koheru and trevally are common.
The Poor Knights can be dived all year round. The underwater visibility varies from between 15-30 meters throughout the year, although at times visibility exceeding 46 meters can be experienced, with the best visibility during the winter months of May to September. Water temperatures range from 19-25 degrees Celsius during the summer months to 14-17C during winter. Most divers use a 7mm wetsuit year round.
For non divers there is also plenty to see and do. Boats are often escorted to the dive sites by dolphins or migrating whales on their journey to and from Hawaii, making an excellent trip for sightseers, kayakers and snorkelers. Kayaking from the dive boat, you can explore the caves, arches, and clear water of the Poor Knights, and snorkeling is an excellent way for non-divers to observe the unique marine life.
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Diveshop
- Performance Diver NZ Ltd, 74 Barry's Point Road, Takapuna , Auckland
Performance Diver NZ Ltd
| Performance Diver NZ www.performancediver.co.nz 64 9 489 7782 64 9 489 7782 | 74 Barry's Point Road, Takapun... 0622 Auckland |
Performance Diver NZ Ltd is a PADI 5 Star Dive Centre. Established in 1998 at 74 Barry's Point Road, Takapuna in Auckland and has grown to be New Zealand's largest Retail supplier of Scuba diving equipment. Priding itself in offering Divers the best value for money available with a philosophy that WE WONT BE BEATEN ON PRICE and offering customers opportunity to "Buy Direct From The Importer"
Online Dive Store, Huge Scuba Equipment selection, Dive Wetsuits, Drysuits, Steamer & Spring Suits, Equipment Servicing, Air Fills, Dive Trips, Overseas Dive Trips, Water Rats Dive Club, 5 Star PADI Dive Centre, Beginner to Professional Diver Training, Full Quality Equipment Hire.
Liveaboard, Charter
- Gamesail Ltd, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland
Gamesail Ltd
| Gamesail New Zealand www.gamesail.co.nz 64 9 4290 927 | Viaduct Harbour Auckland |
Aboard Gamesail's luxury charter yacht Te Okupu you can explore New Zealand's most beautiful places. From our home in Auckland Harbour we can take you on an adventure to places like the Hauraki Gulf, Great Barrier Island, Poor Knights Islands, Bay of Islands, the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty. Fully crewed, catered and all-inclusive. Barefoot luxury.
GAMESAIL caters for the novice to experienced diver.
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