Ten million years ago a series of violent eruptions created a large land mass off New Zealand’s north east coast. Constant erosion by wind and wave action, combined with sea level changes have created the stunningly dramatic cluster of islands and rock formations that are now known as the Poor Knights.
With dense kelp forests, sand channels, vertical walls, giant sea caves, archways and underwater caverns, it is no wonder that divers come from all over the world to dive in the Poor Knights. Add to this a subtropical current that carries marine life from tropical waters and you have a diver’s heaven.
We boarded the MV Mazurka diving vessel, which was to be our home for the next 24hours. Mazurka is a 14m steel launch with comfortable accommodation for up to 6 guests. The well-equipped boat offers a high level of diving convenience on the covered back deck and has been designed to suit the needs of all divers. We stayed in the back room with a double and single bed in the cabin, which we were pleasantly surprised, was quite comfortable.
After we met the team: Ben, Rachel, Mel, Jamie and the staff: Kevin and Kent, it was time to enter the three-dimensional world of the undersea. Diving the Poor Knights is such a unique experience.
Most of the archways and many of the caves in Poor Knights are open to the surface providing safe access for inexperienced divers like myself. I was able to dive up to 22 metres this time, compared to 8 metres on my first dive.
After a hard day of diving we returned to the boat to enjoy a few beers in a relaxing atmosphere at the surface. Kevin anchored for the night inside a large open cave called rikoriko cave. Sheltered from the wind and swell Kevin cooked a delicious curry with cous cous and vegetables.
To experience all the different facets of the Poor Knights a scuba diving liveaboard charter is the best option. Not only will you get the choice of sites in the morning before others arrive, but you will be able to experience the Poor Knights Islands at night. During the 2 days we were able to fit in at least five dives with plenty of time to relax between dives.
For more information visit their website at: www.oceanblue.co.nz
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