Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand
Diving Worth Crossing
the World For
New Zealand’s premier dive charter operator. Explore one of Jacques Cousteau’s top 10 dive sites in the world.
The Experience
Discover an Underwater World Like No Other
The Poor Knights Islands are a subtropical marine reserve sitting in the warm currents of the East Auckland Current. The result is an underwater playground unlike anywhere else in New Zealand — crystal-clear visibility, vibrant soft corals and sponges, massive archways, caves and an incredible diversity of marine life.
Common encounters include schools of blue maomao, demoiselles, stingrays, nudibranchs, moray eels, kingfishes, school of trevallies feeding on the surface…etc. Each season is unique, and you may encounter some incredible wildlife if you are lucky, like whales, albatross, and new zealand fur seals in the winter, or manta rays and whale shark in the summer.
With over 25 years of experience, Dive! Tutukaka offers unmatched expertise, safety, and passion for sharing this incredible underwater world with divers of all levels.
What We Offer
Your Adventure Starts Here
From snorkelling to world-class scuba diving and professional training — there's something for everyone.
Day Trips
Certified Diver
Two dives at the Poor Knights with full gear hire including BCD, regulator with computer, wetsuit, fins, mask, and two tanks with weights. Plus guiding, hot drinks, and rinse-off.
- 2 dives
- Full gear included
- Guiding & hot drinks
- Pricing options for own gear
Discover Scuba
No experience needed. Try scuba diving for the first time, breathe underwater, and hang out with friendly fish at the Poor Knights.
- One ocean dive at Poor Knights
- Full equipment provided
- PADI-certified instructor
Snorkeler / Passenger
Come along for the ride. Snorkel in the marine reserve or relax on deck while the divers explore below.
- Full day on the water
- Snorkel gear included
- Hot drinks included
Learn & Advance
PADI Open Water
A PADI Open Water beginner scuba course with pool training and four open water dives to learn the fundamentals of scuba diving at the Poor Knights Islands.
- 3 days plus eLearning
- Pool + 4 open water dives at the Poor Knights Islands
- PADI electronic certification card
- All equipment included
PADI Advanced Open Water
Take your diving education further. Build on your Open Water skills with adventure dives at the Poor Knights.
- 2 days
- 5 adventure dives
- Deep + navigation dives
- All equipment included
Enriched Air (Nitrox)
Learn to dive with enriched air nitrox for longer bottom times and shorter surface intervals.
- 2 hours eLearning
- Nitrox fills available
- Open Water cert required
Learn & Advance
Why Train With Us
There's no better classroom than the Poor Knights Islands.
PADI 5-Star IDC Centre
One of New Zealand's highest-rated dive training facilities. We offer the full range from beginner through to instructor level.
Instructors Who Live & Breathe It
Our team includes marine biologists, naturalists, and technical diving specialists with thousands of logged hours at the Poor Knights.
Train Where You Dive
Complete your open water dives at one of the world's top dive sites. No pool-to-quarry progression — you train in the real thing from day one.
Safety-First Culture
Over 25 years of operations with an impeccable safety record. Our fleet, equipment, and procedures exceed industry standards.
Our Destination
The Poor Knights Islands
“Best subtropical diving in the World”— Jacques Cousteau
Marine Reserve
Fully protected since 1998, the islands teem with life found nowhere else in New Zealand.
East Australian Current
East Australian current brings in seasonal tropical species and beautifully blue water.
125+ Species
Encounter a kaleidoscope of temperate and tropical fish.
Explore species→Photo of the Week
Eagle Ray
10 May 2026
Photo by Geraldoo
“First class staff and operation! So much marine life on this snorkel trip...it really was stunning (and I'm a diver). Saw soooo many fish since it is a reserve area...even a couple kings. Saw a couple sharks too(from the boat). Fresh food lunch, fruit, and hot teas. The boat even had hot water rinse after swimming. Take a beer for the ride back to the marina if its your thing ..like it is mine. Real solid trip and worth the money!”
“My wife and I completed our advanced open water here and had the absolute best time. Amazing facility, boats and the crew were 12/10. Always willing to help out and were tons of fun. Huge shout out to Charlie for being an incredible instructor. Highly recommend!”
“I’ve been able to dive in different places worldwide and this PADI dive shop is something else. Biggest I’ve seen to start with - and not in a negative way. Crew is everywhere to help you out, they know how to handle your gear and get you ready in no time, they’ll support you, take you to a diving spot safely and ensure your needs are met and you’re all set. Most importantly, they know how to have fun and make this journey a great one. You’re in good hands! (Oh and yeah, the diving sites are also great and worth it)”
Plan Your Trip
Ready to Dive In?
From snorkelling to professional dive training — choose your experience. All prices in NZD.
Dive with us
First time to Pro Diving
- Full day boat trip
- All equipment
- Refreshments
- Experienced Guides
A Perfect Day
Swim the marine reserve
- Full day at Poor Knights
- All snorkel gear provided
- Expert guides
- All ages welcome
Best Time to Visit
Year-round trips. Summer (Dec-Mar) offers warmest water (20-23°C) and best visibility. Winter features unique pelagic encounters.
Getting Here
Tutukaka is a 30-minute drive from Whangarei, or 2.5 hours north of Auckland. We’re located at the Tutukaka Marina.
What to Bring
Towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, warm layers for the boat. We provide all dive and snorkel equipment — just bring your sense of adventure.