How to Get to the Poor Knights Islands

Considering a trip to the Poor Knights Islands? Famous for their incredible marine life and underwater landscapes, these islands are a must-visit for both locals and tourists. But since they’re only accessible by boat, a bit of planning is needed. Don’t worry—we’ve got all the details covered!

Whether you’re coming from Auckland or travelling from overseas, this guide will help you figure out the logistics. Read on to learn how to get there, details on where to stay, and the best time to visit!

Where are the Poor Knights Islands?

The Poor Knights Islands are located off the North Island of New Zealand, about 22km (just over 13 miles) from the east coast of the Northland region. Most visitors head to the islands from Tutukaka Marina—just a little over a 30-minute drive from Whangārei.

How to get to the Poor Knights Islands from Auckland

Tutukaka Marina is about a 3-hour drive from Auckland. If you don’t have a car or prefer not to drive, you can take a shuttle from Auckland to Whangārei, then transfer to another shuttle heading to Tutukaka. Shuttles from Whangārei to Tutukaka start as early as 7:15 am and take around 30 to 45 minutes. If you’re visiting with Dive! Tutukaka, you can arrange pickup from your Whangārei accommodation.

We recommend finding accommodation near Tutukaka Marina to minimise travel time. Visiting the Poor Knights Islands as a day trip from Auckland involves about 6 hours of travel if you’re not already in the Northland area. Tutukaka hotels are five minutes away from the marina for your convenience, so why not turn it into a relaxing seaside trip?

The Poor Knights Marine Reserve is about an hour’s boat ride from Tutukaka Marina.

Best time to dive at Poor Knights Islands

The Poor Knights Islands are an internationally renowned diving spot. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, Dive! Tutukaka—New Zealand’s largest dive charter company—has the experience to make your trip unforgettable.

When’s the best time to dive? It depends on what you’re after! Summer is peak season, with water temperatures between 19–25°C (66–77°F) and plenty of action both in and out of the water. December to February is the busiest time of year, so you’ll want to book early, but the warm waters and buzzing atmosphere make it worth it.

If a bit of cold doesn’t bother you, diving in winter also has its perks. Visibility is much better, and the marine life is just as abundant from around May to September.

Do you have to go diving to visit Poor Knights?

Absolutely not! Although the marine reserve is internationally renowned as a diving spot, there is so much more to enjoy. Perfect Day offers a mix of adventurous and relaxing activities for visitors who prefer not to dive.

Popular options include:

Snorkelling: Dive into the lush underwater ecosystem with provided masks and snorkels. You don’t need to go deep to encounter vibrant sea life and be blown away by Poor Knights’ stunning beauty.
Kayaking: Paddle through caves, arches, and along the coastline, offering a unique perspective on the island’s grandeur.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): Enjoy a leisurely paddle under the sun while exploring the serene waters of the reserve.
Birdwatching: The Poor Knights Islands are also renowned for their bird life, so bring your binoculars and monoculars! It’s the only nesting place of the Buller’s Shearwater, which travels all the way from North America to breed.

Stay at Pacific Rendezvous for your Poor Knights Island trip

Ready to book your trip to Poor Knights? Staying close to Tutukaka Marina is hard to beat, as there is plenty to do in the area. Take the stress out of timing your shuttle and relax at Pacific Rendezvous in the heart of Tutukaka.