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New Zealand

Our trans-tasman neighbours, although not tropical diving, is home to some amazing and diverse dive sites. From the wrecks at the Poor Knights in Tutukaka to the Mikhail Lermontov in the majestic Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand’s cooler waters are also home to a wide range of marine species not found at more tropical destinations.

Regular flights from most major Australian ports makes New Zealand an affordable, easily accessible dive destination that should be on every divers to do list.

General Information  | Poor Knights

GENERAL INFORMATION:

CLIMATE: In the North Island the temperatures average around 20 degrees Celsius year round and the best months for diving are between August and January. Water temperatures (12 C winter 20-21 C summer)

CURRENCY: The NZ Dollar is the unit of currency. One Australian Dollar is equivalent to approximately $1.20 NZ Dollars.

DRESS: Warm, casual clothing is recommended for the  months other than those of summer.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: US passengers travelling to New Zealand will require a passport which must be valid for six months beyond your intended stay and also a tourist visa to be obtained prior to travel.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: Consult your doctor for recommended medication and inoculations.

LANGUAGE: English is the official language spoken

ELECTRICITY: Electricity is 240 volts.

DEPARTURE TAX: Most taxes are prepaid on your ticket. There is a $25NZD Departure Tax that must be paid direct on departure.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Photos Courtesy of Dive! Tutukaka and Matt Oldfield, Scubazoo

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