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Independent travel story with an octopus sighting at Jan's Tunnel.
Dive Spot Guide•
Jan’s Tunnel
Poor Knights swim-through with a shallow, light-filled tunnel.
Boat-accessed Poor Knights site with a shallow tunnel, sheltered inner pocket, and surge-prone entry; best on calm days with a tidy boat approach.
About Jan’s Tunnel
Jan's Tunnel is a Poor Knights swim-through with a shallow, light-filled entrance, a craggy reef edge, and a compact route that feels more like a pocket than an open-water wall. The tunnel opens into a sheltered inner alcove where fish and anemones gather, while the surrounding reef drops away for anyone who wants a longer look. Boat access and reserve rules shape the visit more than depth, so calm sea state and good timing matter. It suits snorkelers and scuba divers who want atmosphere over profile.
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Research Estimate At Jan’s Tunnel
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 18m
AccessModerate entry effort
Aquatic LifeGreat variety
FacilitiesGood facilities
CurrentLight current
SurgeStrong surge
Where Is Jan’s Tunnel?
This spotNearby spotsExplore nearby spots on the map
Community sourced coordinates.
Jan’s Tunnel Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
2m - 40m
Depth Note
Entrance to the tunnel is described as shallow; reef drops steeply to around 40 m and beyond, with a sandy line at about 40 m.
Best Season
Year-round, with calmer seas and better visibility in summer.
Typical Conditions
Shallow tunnel, sheltered inner pocket, and a craggy reef edge that can catch surge at the mouth. Calm water and a tidy boat setup make the site easiest to enjoy.
Safety & Access At Jan’s Tunnel
Site conditions, restrictions, and access requirements.
Site Conditions
Overhead environment
Safety Notes
The site includes a tunnel/overhead section and a steep drop-off to around 40 m and beyond.
Access Restrictions
Boat access only from Tutukaka; the site sits inside a protected reserve, so follow operator guidance and reserve rules.
Legal Notes
Poor Knights Marine Reserve access is controlled to protect the reserve, so use authorized boat access and follow the skipper's directions.
Local Intel For Jan’s Tunnel
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
A popular option for scuba divers who want to remain shallow rather than dropping to the sandy line around 40 m.
Freediving
Possible only for experienced freedivers in calm, operator-approved conditions; the tunnel and surge make it a conservative choice compared with a normal open-water snorkel.
Snorkeling
The tunnel entrance is shallow and described as ideal for snorkelers.
Wildlife at Jan’s Tunnel
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At Jan’s Tunnel
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At Jan’s Tunnel
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility18m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
