Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
pohutukawa blazing red against the green water. Grab a seat on the deck, a cold beverage
and a decent pub meal.
MARINE RICHES AT THE POOR KNIGHTS
Established in 1981, the Poor Knights marine reserve is rated as one of the world's
top-10 diving spots. The islands are bathed in a subtropical current from the Coral
Sea, so varieties of tropical and subtropical fish not seen in other NZ waters can be
observed here. The waters are clear, with no sediment or pollution problems. The
40m to 60m underwater cliffs drop steeply to the sandy bottom and are a
labyrinth of archways, caves, tunnels and fissures that attract a wide variety of
sponges and colourful underwater vegetation. Schooling fish, eels and rays are
common (including manta rays in season).
The two main volcanic islands, Tawhiti Rahi and Aorangi, were home to the Ngai
Wai tribe, but since a raiding-party massacre of 1825 the islands have been tapu
(forbidden). Even today the public is barred from the islands, in order to protect
their pristine environment. Not only do tuatara and Butler's shearwater breed here,
but there are unique species of flora, such as the Poor Knights lily.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Tutukaka Coast & the Poor Knights Islands
If Goat Island Marine Reserve whetted your appetite, diving at the Poor Knights is the
feast followed by a wafer-thin mint that might cause your stomach to explode. Apart
from the natural underwater scenery, two decommissioned navy ships have been sunk
nearby for divers to explore.
Following the road northeast of Whangarei for 26km, you'll first come to the sweet
village of
Ngunguru
near the mouth of a broad river.
Tutukaka
is 1km further on, its
marina bustling with yachts, dive crews and game-fishing boats.
From Tutukaka the road heads slightly inland, popping out 10km later at the golden
sands of
Matapouri
. A blissful 20-minute coastal walk leads from here to
Whale Bay
,
fringed with giant pohutukawa trees.
Continuing north from Matapouri, the wide expanse of
Sandy Bay
, one of Northland's
premier surf beaches, comes into view. Long-boarding competitions are held here in
summer. The road then loops back to join SH1 at Hikurangi. A branch leading off from
this road doubles back north to the coast at
Whananaki
, where there are more glorious
