Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, Marine reserve off the northeastern coast of North Island, New Zealand.
The Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve spans 2,500 hectares of ocean, featuring steep volcanic cliffs, underwater caves, and extensive kelp forests.
The islands remained inhabited by Maori tribes until the 1820s when a conflict between Ngati Wai and Nga Puhi tribes led to their abandonment.
The reserve contains numerous archaeological sites from early Maori settlements, including remnants of traditional food storage pits and defensive positions.
Access to the reserve requires boat transportation from Tutukaka, with guided diving and snorkeling tours operating between December and April.
Rikoriko Cave, located within the reserve, stands as the largest sea cave by volume in the Southern Hemisphere, measuring 130 by 80 meters.
GPS coordinates: -35.56674,174.70600
Latest update: March 4, 2025 11:27
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