Poor Knights Island Marine Reserve
Poor Knights Island Marine Reserve, Whangarei: Address, Phone Number, Poor Knights Island Marine Reserve Reviews: 5/5
Poor Knights Island Marine Reserve
Poor Knights Island Marine Reserve
5
About
World-renowned diver Jacques-Yves Cousteau rated this reserve, notable for its excellent visibility, as one of the top ten places to dive in the world.
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The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
7 within 5 kms
Schnappa Rock
707
99 m$$ - $$$ • Bar • Seafood • European
Wahi Restaurant
211
0.1 km$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Whangerei Deep Sea Anglers
54
0.2 km$ • Bar • Contemporary
Marina Pizzeria
192
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Pizza • Grill • Vegetarian Friendly
Salt Air Cafe
78
3 km$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Cafe • New Zealand
Ngunguru Takeaways
75
3.1 km$ • Quick Bites • Seafood • Fast food
Bite Me
4
3 kmCafe
Attractions
4 within 10 kms
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Popular mentions
5.0
198 reviews
Excellent
171
Very good
20
Average
6
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Melanie T
35 contributions
Apr 2022
You could see just as much if not more snorkelling than diving. Great experience and can recommend Dive! Tutakaka.
Written 3 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Keryn611
Christchurch, New Zealand104 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
We absolutely loved our day out at Poor Knights Islands on the boat, Diversity. Steve and Jackson were awesome captain and crew. Because only 8 of us were on this trip we got to go to two different bays where we enjoyed snorkelling. It was the absolute highlight for me. So many fish and stingrays to see. I didn't want to get out of the water! It was great sailing through the arch and also into the sea cave. Lunch was delicious sandwiches with fruit and snacks. I am hoping the underwater photos are put up on the fb page soon! Can't recommend this trip highly enough.
Written 24 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Harsh
Mumbai, India9 contributions
Apr 2019
Since Diving was on my list during my visit to New Zealand. Visited this place- it is absolutely beautiful.
Arranged my dive program with Dive Tutukaka, The water is clean and blue, got a glimpse of dolphins on our way to the dive site.
The marine life is rich. The corals and plankton are abundant in nature and absolutely stunning to watch the fishes and turtles too.
If you are a diver, you must definitely visit this island for a memorable experience.
Arranged my dive program with Dive Tutukaka, The water is clean and blue, got a glimpse of dolphins on our way to the dive site.
The marine life is rich. The corals and plankton are abundant in nature and absolutely stunning to watch the fishes and turtles too.
If you are a diver, you must definitely visit this island for a memorable experience.
Written 25 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bob H
Mississauga, Canada17,997 contributions
Feb 2020
We visited this area on a cruise and had a great time. The scenery was beautiful. We were lucky and saw dolphins... The Hole in the Rock was fantastic to see...
Written 18 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Daria G
Auckland, New Zealand5 contributions
Jan 2020
Stunning "Wow" place to visit with "The Perfect Day" daily cruise boat. The water was colder than I expected but seeing all the fish while snorkeling made it all worth while.
The marine reserve is 22 kms off shore, with caves, tunnels and arches which are truly exceptional. A fabulous place to visit and experience even as a resident of NZ.
Unfortunately I got very sea-sick so I did not have such a good experience, however, the staff were brilliant and attentive.
A truly memorable experience.
The marine reserve is 22 kms off shore, with caves, tunnels and arches which are truly exceptional. A fabulous place to visit and experience even as a resident of NZ.
Unfortunately I got very sea-sick so I did not have such a good experience, however, the staff were brilliant and attentive.
A truly memorable experience.
Written 25 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Michael P
Washington DC, DC72 contributions
Dec 2019
We visited on the Perfect Day, which is a boat that visits daily. The island itself is a sanctuary and is historically Tapu according to Maori traditions, so landfall is not an option. The snorkeling area is well sheltered, relatively shallow, and teeming with marine life. Some caution is warranted depending on the nature of the surf - there can be powerful surges in some of the sea caves. Ask the boat captains - they know the area. There are diving opportunities but I can say (as a long-time diver) that 80% of what you want to see can be seen with a mask and snorkel. The divers go deeper, obviously; there is a steep wall-like decent in the sheltered cove. We saw sea turtles, rays, and too many fish to count. Much of the cove is entirely suitable for novice swimmers who are comfortable not touching the bottom (which is not really an option). Note that this can be done without a wetsuit in summer - but not for long. I used a 3/4mm wetsuit, no hood, full-foot fins, and gloves. The world's largest sea cave is nearby - most boat captains will take you in for a quick look.
Written 18 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
erna317
Whangarei, New Zealand3 contributions
Mar 2019 • Family
Great experience! Wide variety of fish, they’re not scared at all, rather inquisitive. Good visibility.
Water colder than expected, even in summer so remember full wet suits!
Water colder than expected, even in summer so remember full wet suits!
Written 5 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
utoo2014
Auckland, New Zealand14 contributions
Feb 2019 • Friends
We had our own boat, but you can go on tours from Tutukaka, it is an amazing place to see our fish in their natural habitat. Snorkelling & Diving. We went into the cave, it was truly a WOW moment..
Written 5 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
theresaandross
Whangarei, New Zealand9 contributions
Apr 2019 • Family
Had a great day out, starting with breakfast at Oceans. Great food and service. Headed out to the knights on perfect day. Amazing day spent exploring the sea life. Food on the boat was very ordinary. Otherwise a great day
Written 4 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Roanna R
5 contributions
Dec 2018 • Family
Amazing! The islands are a reserve so forget your rod but have an incredible day discovering & enjoying this beautiful spot. The perfect place for diving, snorkeling, paddle boarding, etc. The fish life is incredible, Ricorico cave is surprisingly, deceptively huge & the history of the islands is very interesting.
Written 14 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Elizabeth A
Yelm, WA53 contributions
Which company will pick up in Auckland at the hotel and drive out and back for the Poor Knights Island tour?
Thanks!
Liz
Tom M
Whangarei, New Zealand71 contributions
Hello Liz,
From cbd auckland to tutukaka marina is a 3 hrs drive. Or take bus to whangarei and find transport from there. I wouldn't know of a company doing a transfer from akl to tuts as we are always driving ourselves.
Have a good one
Tom
Barbara H
Toronto, Canada18 contributions
Do you have a recommendation for boating operator if I am interested in snorkeling at the Poor Knights Island Marine Reserve? Thanks.
laurenr0che
Whangarei, New Zealand16 contributions
Dive Tutukaka are excellent and have a number of boats
MISHNOMA
Auckland, New Zealand24 contributions
Hi
Would you recommend Poor Knights Island for beginner divers (kids aged 12) or more for intermediate/advanced ?
Thanks
Michelle
Carmen R
4 contributions
We will be arriving from Auckland about 1-2pm. Are there any boats that take you out to Poor Knights Island to just cruise around? We aren't interested in diving, snorkeling or kayaking. Thanks!
Northkiwi
Whangarei, New Zealand23 contributions
Yes, lots of boats will take you out there and there is no compulsion to swim, although you might change your mind when you see how cool and easy it is. Did you mean are there boats that leave early afternoon? I don't think there are, I think they all leave in the morning, but a bit of googling will prove me right or wrong.
mmunrover
Little Rock, AR19 contributions
My husband and I want to do a day of scuba diving at Poor Knights. Which is the best dive company? We are looking for the smallest group of people, but quality of equipment (we will have to rent everything) and safety is paramount.
Thanks,
Marianne
Daniel F
New Zealand32 contributions
'The Perfect Day'.
Doug_T51
1549911 contribution
We recently went on a two-day diving and snorkeling trip on the Great Barrier Reef, including an overnight stay on the dive boat. Is there anything like that available at Poor Knights Island?
Bruce C
Whangarei, New Zealand46 contributions
Dive Tutukaka sails out every day and distances are not as far as on the Barrier Reef - there is a hotel called Oceans right next to the dive office so that would probably be the best optiom.
jokiwitraveller
Manama, Bahrain202 contributions
Hi, what time of year did you swim at Poor Knights pkease? We want to go August. Will it be too cold? Thanks, jo
Richard H
Christchurch, New Zealand85 contributions
Yes, as you are from Bahrain you will find it cold. However, the water is often even clearer in winter and the wetsuits they provide are very good quality and with a hood and boots you will have a good experience. Seriously consider gloves as well.
B0st0nW0rldTraveler
oBston47 contributions
There seem to be several companies that do boat trips to Poor Knights. We want to find a boat that specializes in snorkel trips, not one that takes snorkelers along with scuba people. Our experience with the second type is that the scuba focus dominates. Any thoughts?
citylady2015
Brisbane, Australia25 contributions
Hi we traveled on a perfect day tour from Tutukaka.Wile it was a dive and snorkel trip,I realy enjoyed snorkeling in the largest sea cave and watching the divers below shine their lights on the amazing fish and floating through their bubbles. Had a fabulous time.
vsmulik17
Mumbai, India2 contributions
Hi....how do I reach there from Hub information centre?As I don't have a vehicle of my own....hence wanted to know if there is any public transport available for the same?
Kate
Tutukaka, New Zealand9 contributions
Sure! There s a guy called Chris who has a company called Coastal Commuters, and he runs a shuttle servce daily. He will collect you from the Hub and return you after a day out on the Tutukaka Coast. You can call him on 021 901 408
xx
K8
KarinFrei
Redding, CA
Is Dive! Tutukaka the only operation for snorkeling at Poor Knights? They are booked the day that we would like to go.
ChristinaHind
London87 contributions
Yes it is. They were fully booked the day we wanted to go also but we asked if we could be wait listed and we turned up anyway. They had 3 cancellations so were able to take us at last minute. Well worth taking the chance. I did lots of trips in NZ and this was definitely in my top 3.
It's a big boat so there's a high chance of a cancellation
I can't remember the name but there's another snorkling opportunity on an Island on the way back to Aukland. If I was going again I would research there.
I would invest in snorkling gloves and head warmth. It's amazing but oh so cold!
Frequently Asked Questions about Poor Knights Island Marine Reserve
- We recommend booking Poor Knights Island Marine Reserve tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 3 Poor Knights Island Marine Reserve tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Poor Knights Island Marine Reserve:
- (0.00 km) Marlin Ridge B&B Tutukaka
- (0.06 km) Heart of Tutukaka
- (0.09 km) Lodge 9
- (0.18 km) Quality Hotel Oceans Tutukaka
- (0.24 km) Tutukaka Holiday Park
- Restaurants near Poor Knights Island Marine Reserve:
- (0.10 km) Schnappa Rock
- (0.14 km) Wahi Restaurant
- (0.25 km) Whangerei Deep Sea Anglers
- (0.28 km) Marina Pizzeria
- (2.97 km) Salt Air Cafe