Poor Knights

These Islands are a 4 million year old rhyolite volcano, believed to be remains of large lava domes which rose on a deep fracture running from the Coromandel Peninsula to the east coast of Northland. The Poor Knights group which rises 240 metres from the sea comprises of two main islands, the northern named Tawhiti Rahi having an area of 318 acres and the southern island named Aorangi consisting of 163 acres and several small islets and isolated rocks.   A narrow passage divides the two principal islands, which lie in a north south direction.  Most of the islands are surrounded by sheer cliffs some plunging to a depth of 90 metres.  An unusual feature of the islands is the number of caves and archways some which are navigable by boats and some which are underwater. These formations are the result constant wearing away of the weaker volcanic rock. The only beaches on the Poor Knights are found at about 30 metres underwater, these being flooded when the sea rose during the melting of the last ice age.

THE PACIFIC RENDEZVOUS

A world renowned fun holiday resort just 29km from Whangarei. The Pacific Rendezvous is the perfect setting for the perfect dive holiday, with a carefree and restful feel, this resort is the ideal location to access the wrecks of the Poor Knights.

It has 30 apartments which provide a variety  of accommodation ranging from 3 bedroom suites to 1 bedroom chalet apartments. All apartments are completely self-contained with one, two and three bedrooms, twins and  doubles. The resort offers a wide range of activities to keep all members of your group occupied.

OCEANS HOTEL & APARTMENTS TUTUKAKA

Oceans Hotel and Apartments is a 4 star resort offering a selection of spacious and elegant 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments and 26 hotel rooms, featuring an outdoor swimming pool, BBQ Area, and an array of retail shops at your doorstep. Oceans also boast Knights Bar and Restaurant, which is independently rated 9/10 for all your catering needs.

Perched on the edge of the Tutukaka Marina, Oceans provides a gateway to the world renowned Poor Knights Marine Reserve. Tutukaka is stunning & remote, capturing the essence of coastal New Zealand. With a myriad of water based activities at your doorstep, sandy beaches & a lush subtropical climate, Tutukaka is a year round playground.

DIVE! TUTUKAKA

The Poor Knights Dive Centre is at the hub of Tutukaka, New Zealand's Dive Capital, and home of Dive! Tutukaka. Full equipment hire and tank fills are available. Also available are souvenirs and clothing, films, batteries, canoe and land yacht hire. A visit to the Centre with its unique underwater environment is a destination in itself. Their Poor Knights resource room with natural history displays and continuous audiovisual presentations is free to the public.