divehq.co.nz · Operator
Operator overview of the Poor Knights archways and marine life.
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Blue Maomao Arch is a popular dive site featuring an arch formation that can be explored in relatively shallow water. It’s often described as best dived later in the day when the afternoon sun lights up the area. The arch itself is around 15 m at its deepest, with the depth increasing to 20 m+ toward the eastern end. Divers commonly report dense schools of fish around the arch.
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
15m - 20m
Depth Note
The arch is at most 15 m deep, with depths dropping to 20 m+ at the eastern end.
Typical Conditions
Often dived later in the day for better sunlight on the arch.
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Safety Notes
The site includes an arch/overhead feature; maintain appropriate clearance and awareness when passing through.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Shallow arch diving around 15 m, with deeper water (20 m+) at the eastern end.
Use the planner to scan this week, inspect today in local time, and understand how exposure shapes conditions at Blue MaoMao Arch.
Directional shelter context for incoming swell.
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
No Dive Logs Yet
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Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Last Updated
Research Sources
Operator overview of the Poor Knights archways and marine life.
Independent dive magazine coverage of the Poor Knights.
Marine reserve rules and habitat overview.
Exact arch shape and 20m visibility from a dive log.
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