Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve

The Poor Knights Islands sit 23 km off Northland's Tutukaka coast, remnants of an ancient volcano whose cliffs continue underwater as arches, tunnels, and sponge-covered walls. A marine reserve was established in 1981 and extended to full no-take protection around the entire group in 1998; the islands themselves are a nature reserve closed to landing, still holding tuatara and rare seabirds. The East Auckland Current bathes the reserve in subtropical water, mixing kingfish, stingray aggregations, and Lord Howe-style visitors with temperate kelp species — the blend that led Jacques Cousteau to rate the site among his favorites. Rikoriko, one of the world's largest sea caves, is divable by boat.

The rules that bind divers

The reserve is completely no-take: no fishing of any kind, no collecting, and nothing removed dead or alive, enforced by the Department of Conservation with substantial penalties. Landing on the islands is prohibited without a special permit, and boats must not disturb the seabird colonies; diving and snorkeling are unrestricted activities within the rules, with operators running daily from Tutukaka. Vessels anchor carefully in designated sand areas or hold off the walls, and feeding fish is discouraged under reserve guidance. There is no entry fee.

Fees & permits: No park or entry fee; charter costs from Tutukaka are the only expense.