TUTUKAKA SCUBA FIELD GUIDE
Into the Submerged Arches: Diving the Volcanic Canyons of the Poor Knights
A full-day boat trip from Tutukaka that includes two dives, island tours through volcanic arches and caves, and chances to spot dolphins and whales — this guide clarifies what to expect and how to prepare.
Into the Submerged Arches: Diving the Volcanic Canyons of the Poor Knights.
From Tutukaka, a full-day boat excursion threads through a protected marine reserve where volcanic arches, caverns and sheer cliffs frame reefs alive with temperate and tropical fish — the day comprises two dives at skipper-selected sites, an island tour when conditions allow, onboard briefings and complimentary hot drinks.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Volcanic arches, caves and dramatic cliffs
The Poor Knights’ ancient lava formations create arches, caves and vertical cliffs that shape dramatic dive sites and memorable island views when weather permits a circumnavigation.
Dense encrusting life and tropical visitors
The reserve’s mix of temperate and tropical species produces prolific fish populations and rich encrusting life, making underwater visibility and encounters exceptionally vivid.
Two dives and a chance to see marine megafauna
The itinerary includes two dives at different skipper-chosen sites and time en route to look for dolphins, whales and abundant seabirds; the crew provide briefings and keep the day moving.
What the day feels like
The Day: Flow and Feeling
You meet at Tutukaka, board in the morning and cross to the Poor Knights for two dives at sites the skipper selects; between dives you get a surface interval of roughly 1.5 hours for lunch and hot drinks, then finish with an island tour of arches, cliffs and caves (conditions permitting) before returning to Tutukaka mid- to late-afternoon.
THE LANDSCAPE
Volcanic arches, caves and dramatic cliffs
The Poor Knights’ ancient lava formations create arches, caves and vertical cliffs that shape dramatic dive sites and memorable island views when weather permits a circumnavigation.
THE LIFE
Dense encrusting life and tropical visitors
The reserve’s mix of temperate and tropical species produces prolific fish populations and rich encrusting life, making underwater visibility and encounters exceptionally vivid.
THE ENCOUNTERS
Two dives and a chance to see marine megafauna
The itinerary includes two dives at different skipper-chosen sites and time en route to look for dolphins, whales and abundant seabirds; the crew provide briefings and keep the day moving.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who benefits most from this outing — and who should take extra care.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Full-day outing lasting approximately 8 hours; boarding begins from 8:30 with return to Tutukaka Marina around 3:30–4:30 pm.
Meet at the Poor Knights Dive Centre at Tutukaka Marina; arrive at Dive! Tutukaka by 8:00 for an 8:30 boarding.
The crew provide dive briefings and complementary hot drinks; the day includes two dives with a surface interval of about 1.5 hours for lunch.
Landing on the islands without a permit is strictly prohibited; stay within skipper-identified boundaries and avoid climbing on rocks or entering restricted caves/cracks.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The outing is an approximately 8-hour full-day trip.
How many dives are included?
The day includes two dives at different sites chosen by the skipper.
Where and when do we meet?
Meet at the Poor Knights Dive Centre in Tutukaka; arrive at 8:00 and boarding starts at 8:30.
Will I see wildlife?
There are opportunities to see dolphins, whales and abundant seabirds en route, and prolific fish populations at the dive sites.
Can we land on the islands?
No — landing on the Poor Knights Islands without a permit is strictly prohibited; follow the skipper’s boundaries and instructions.
What happens during the surface interval?
There is a surface interval of about 1.5 hours for lunch and hot drinks provided onboard before the second dive.