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Poor Knights Island Marine Reserve

157 Reviews
#8 of 54 things to do in Whangarei Features Animals
Nature & Wildlife Areas, Reefs, Nature & Parks
Whangarei, New Zealand
+64 9-434 3867
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Review Highlights
“Well worth a visit, especially if scuba diving. Recommend a live aboard boat.”

Some of the best diving in New Zealand - visited for the weekend and stayed on a live aboard dive... read more

Reviewed 12 May 2017
PBandLE
,
Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom
“Fantastic diving and snorkeling in New Zealand”

Who would have thought that snorkeling and diving in NZ would be far better experience than the one... read more

Reviewed 22 March 2017
Joanna J
,
Warsaw, Poland
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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.

About Poor Knights Island Marine Reserve

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.
5.0
157 reviews
  • Excellent86%
  • Very good10%
  • Average3%
  • Poor1%
  • Terrible0%
Travellers talk about
“dive tutukaka” (9 reviews)
“dive sites” (7 reviews)
“fish life” (6 reviews)
LOCATION
Whangarei, New Zealand
CONTACT
Website
+64 9-434 3867
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Reviews (157)
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1 - 10 of 150 reviews

Reviewed 12 May 2017
Well worth a visit, especially if scuba diving. Recommend a live aboard boat.

Some of the best diving in New Zealand - visited for the weekend and stayed on a live aboard dive vessel. Not enough time to see all the sites/sights, but would definitely go back for more exploration. Excellent underwater visibility (25 metres) and loads of...More

Thank PBandLE
Reviewed 22 March 2017
Fantastic diving and snorkeling in New Zealand

Who would have thought that snorkeling and diving in NZ would be far better experience than the one at the Great Barrier Reef. It was amazing. Hordes of fish clinging to the walls of the island or just passing through just next to you. The...More

1  Thank Joanna J
Reviewed 16 March 2017
Teen boys and parents loved it!!

We booked the Perfect Day tour to snorkel the area. Wonderful! We have had the luck to take many a boat ride/tour and found this one to be excellent on all accounts. The boat, crew, equipment, lunch and information given were all top notch and...More

1  Thank K M V
Reviewed 15 March 2017
Jaques Costeaux rated this in the worlds top ten sites to dive.

Gorgeous place. Fabulous protected snorkelling and diving. I recommend 'The perfect day' tours for this. They supply wetsuit, fins, mask luch, Yes, A perfect day. One of Northlands top activities without a doubt.

Thank Daniel F
Reviewed 14 March 2017
Beautiful Poor Knights

Just a quick 45 minute boat ride out from Tutukaka and you arrive at this stunning underwater paradise. The islands themselves are spectacular teaming with birdlife, but its when you explore under the water that the true beauty emerges. It dosent matter if you are...More

Thank Melanie D
Reviewed 16 February 2017 via mobile
Stunning

A 45 minute motor in a spacious launch, purpose built for diving brings you to the world renown Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve. You cant help but make easy, quick friends as you anchor, suit up and take the first plunge. Its the clarity of...More

Thank pmepham2017
Reviewed 15 February 2017
A once in a lifetime experience

I got my deep dive ticket here, absolutely fantastic, the sights were incredible, huge crayfish clinging to under water cave walls, where we were able to take our masks off and explore, massive schools of fish, the types were too numerous to recount. I'll never...More

Thank 11manager
Reviewed 15 February 2017
A perfect day in a perfect Marine Reserve

Went on a trip on Perfect Day boat, had a wonderful time. Early February, perfect weather. Saw lots of fish while snorkeling, and saw a large group of common dolphins and aone whale on the trip back to Tutukaka.

Thank KevinRL
Reviewed 14 February 2017 via mobile
Wow

One of the most beautiful places in the world. It is stunning and a must see in New Zealand as well as other parts of the Bay of Islands

Thank 964sharon
Reviewed 3 February 2017 via mobile
Perfect Day indeed

Joined the Perfect Day for a days snorkelling. We were just incredibly lucky diverting to see a large pod of pseudo-Orcas and bottle nose Dolphins on the trip out. The snorkelling was terrific. The young staff could not have been more helpful, enthusiastic and friendly...More

Thank Malcolm B
Questions & AnswersAsk a question
Carmen R
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!
22 April 2017|
Answer Show all 5 answers
Response from Daniel F | Reviewed this property |
Hi Boats only leave early morning. This is one of the world's premier destinations to snorkel and swim. Perhaps it could be reconsidered. I recommend this company above all other options.
0
Votes
mmunrover
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
22 August 2016|
Answer Show all 4 answers
Response from Daniel F | Reviewed this property |
'The Perfect Day'.
0
Votes
Doug_T51
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?
14 August 2016|
Answer Show all 2 answers
Response from Bruce C | Reviewed this property |
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.
0
Votes