{"id":4103,"date":"2017-09-24T21:01:37","date_gmt":"2017-09-25T01:01:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventurousretirement.com\/blog\/?p=4103"},"modified":"2018-11-25T10:14:18","modified_gmt":"2018-11-25T15:14:18","slug":"new-zealands-poor-knights-marine-reserve-a-special-place","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventurousretirement.com\/blog\/new-zealands-poor-knights-marine-reserve-a-special-place\/","title":{"rendered":"New Zealand’s Poor Knights\u00a0Marine Reserve – A Special Place"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Tutukaka<\/a>We chose to visit Tutukaka <\/a>in the northern part of New Zealand’s north island\u00a0because of its access to Poor Knights Marine Reserve.<\/a>\u00a0 Our preference for nature, water sports, and diving, coupled with quieter, less touristy areas drove\u00a0our choice.<\/p>\n

What is Poor Knights?<\/h1>\n

<\/p>\n

\"Tutukaka<\/a>Poor Knights Islands and Marine Reserve is 15 miles northeast from Tutukaka. On the boat ride to Poor Knights, the towering sheer cliffs of the islands appear, some rising over 600 feet above the ocean.<\/p>\n

Two large islands, various pinnacles and rocks form a 500 acre sheltered \u2018harbour\u2019 area offshore. Once inhabited by Maori tribes who left in the 1820s, Poor Knights Islands are now a protected nature and marine reserve. These islands create an unusual underwater environment of giant sea caves, kelp forests, sand channels, and underwater caverns. The subtropical currents provide a habitat for more species of fish and invertebrates than anywhere else in New Zealand. With the warm current, marine life from tropical waters also visit Poor Knights. It is a delight to visit such a diverse underwater environment.<\/p>\n

\"Tutukaka <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Tutukaka <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Tutukaka <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Tutukaka <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Why is Poor Knights touted as a top 10 dive site in the world by Jacques Cousteau? It boasts a sheltered harbour, marine reserve, subtropical currents, unusual diversity of fish varieties, and white sand beaches. Due to the location of Poor Knights close to the edge of the continental shelf, its waters are nutrient rich providing a constant food source for filter feeders, like various types of sponges, sea anemones, tubeworms, clams, and more.<\/p>\n

\"Tutukaka<\/a>The open ocean is always full of surprises. If season and conditions are right, it\u2019s a treat to see a rare sighting.\u00a0 We spotted a Mola Mola or Ocean Sun Fish. The captain followed it; then he cut the engine so we could enjoy the rare moment, and capture it in photos. He also spotted a leopard seal\u00a0feasting on fish during our trip back to the marina, so he stopped to let us watch.<\/p>\n

While this area is often overlooked, National Geographic Traveler rated Poor Knights one of the top coastal destinations on the planet.<\/p>\n

Poor Knights Caves and Harbour<\/h2>\n
\"Tutukaka <\/a> <\/div>
\"Tutukaka <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Tutukaka <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

We rode south in the harbour after diving through the Southern Arch and Blue Maomao Arch to Poor Knights harbour. It is amazing to find yourself on a boat in the protected \u2018harbour\u2019 of Poor Knights surrounded by the sheer cliffs and caves. In the sheltered harbour, it is a great opportunity to enjoy the spectacular scenery \u2013 the sea, rock formations, hillsides, and to learn the history.<\/p>\n

\"Tutukaka<\/a>Once in the harbour Captain Josh took us to Rico Rico Cave, the world\u2019s largest sea cave, and large enough for our boat to enter. Captain Josh explained that the cave has the best acoustics. To experience this, and to view the sea life near the surface and life forms in the cave, Captain Josh maneuvered our boat into the Rico Rico Cave. Inside we hooted and shouted to hear the echos, and then we were treated to something very special. One of our fellow divers is an opera singer, and she proceeded to demonstrate the cave acoustics in a very extraordinary manner. Listen to her in this video\u2026
\n