Dive-site story
Carved into the volcanic rock of the Poor Knights Islands, Middle Arch forms a wide underwater pass where sunlight cuts through the opening to illuminate steep walls covered in vibrant invertebrates. Ocean currents sweep plankton through the passage, drawing massive schools of fish to shelter under the rocky overhangs.
Vast volcanic archway lined with colorful jewel anemones and sponges
Dense aggregations of schooling maomao swirling beneath the overhangs
Frequent visits from resting stingrays on the boulder-strewn seafloor
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Late summer into autumn brings warmer water and clearer conditions pushed in by the East Auckland Current.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue MaomaoScorpis violacea | Common | ||||||||||||
| Pink MaomaoCaprodon longimanus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Short-tail StingrayBathytoshia brevicaudata | Seasonal | ||||||||||||
| Sandager's WrasseCoris sandeyeri | Common | ||||||||||||
| Mosaic MorayEnchelycore ramosa | Common |
Marine forecast
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