Where are the Poor Knights Islands?
Where are the Poor Knights Islands?
North Island of New Zealand
The Poor Knights Islands are a group of islands off the east coast of the Northland Region of the North Island of New Zealand. They lie 50 kilometres (31 mi) to the northeast of Whangarei, and 22 kilometres (14 mi) offshore halfway between Bream Head and Cape Brett.
How far offshore are the Poor Knights?
800 m offshore
The reserve is located around 22 km off the east coast of Northland. It extends 800 m offshore from all the Poor Knights Islands and associated islets, rocks and stacks including Sugarloaf Rock and High Peak Rocks (Pinnacles).
Can you go on the Poor Knights island?
The Poor Knights Islands can be easily reached by boat from almost any port in Hauraki Gulf and Northland. Charter boats from Auckland, Leigh, Whangārei, Tutukaka, and Bay of Islands visit the islands.
What is Poor Knights island known for?
The Poor Knights Islands are an internationally recognized icon, up for World Heritage Status and 23km off the Tutukaka Coast where the island’s 11 million year old volcanic origins provide myriad spectacular drop offs, walls, caves, arches and tunnels, all inhabited by an amazing array of underwater life.
What is the Maori name for Poor Knights Islands?
Tawhiti Rahi is the Māori name for the entire chain, as well as the largest island. The second largest island is Aorangi and the largest of the islets is called Motu Kapiti.
Where are the marine reserves in NZ?
Our two largest marine reserves are located on offshore islands (Auckland and Kermadec Islands) and these two reserves account for 97% of our protected sea-area. In contrast, our coastal mainland marine reserves are very small.
How big is the Poor Knights marine reserve?
4,700 acres
The Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve is a protected area off the coast of the North Island of New Zealand. The reserve, established in 1981 and covering an area of 1,890 ha (4,700 acres), is administered by the Department of Conservation.
Where do you anchor Poor Knights?
This site is a little gem in the Poor Knights crown. A secret world inside the island awaits those who venture forth here. At the south western corner of Aorangi Island is a pinched in cove where you can find good anchorage. This is the bay where you start the journey.
Can you kayak to Poor Knights Island?
The marine reserve extends 800 metres out from any part of the islands, islets, rocks and stacks. You are welcome to swim, dive, kayak within this area, enjoying the diversity of marine life, but you are not allowed to land.
How did Tutukaka get its name?
The Māori name comes from the term tūtū kākā, which means a parrot (kākā) snaring tree (tūtū). As the closest marina to the Poor Knights Islands, Tutukaka is the base for boat tours for diving and snorkelling in the waters around these islands, a protected marine reserve.