Intermediate New Zealand
Poor Knights Islands
Where the tropical current reaches New Zealand and mixes subtropical and temperate wildlife
A warm current flows down from the tropics and hits these volcanic islands off New Zealand's northeast coast. The result is a site where subtropical and temperate species coexist, inside a marine reserve in place since 1981 and no-take since 1998.
In this guide you'll find out why Poor Knights has this mix of wildlife, what its volcanic arches, caves and tunnels are like, what diving in a strict no-take reserve means, when to go and what thermal protection you need.
It's the southern hemisphere's best demonstration of what a no-take reserve maintained over decades can achieve, and a case of marine biogeography visible to the naked eye.
Geography and access
Poor Knights are the eroded remains of an ancient volcano, two main islands and several islets about 22 kilometers off New Zealand's North Island northeast coast.
A warm current from tropical latitudes bathes the islands and keeps the water slightly above the nearby mainland coast. That allows subtropical species to be present at a latitude where they shouldn't be.
At the same time, the temperate wildlife typical of New Zealand persists, including kelp forests. The coexistence of both communities is what makes the site unique.
The eroded volcanic rock has produced remarkable underwater geology: arches, through-tunnels, large caves and vertical walls. One of the cavities is among the largest sea caves in the world by volume.
The islands have been a marine reserve since 1981 and no-take since 1998, and landing on them is not allowed. All diving is done from boats leaving the coast, on a crossing of around an hour.
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