divehq.co.nz · Operator
Operator overview of the Poor Knights archways and marine life.
Dive Spot Guide•
Blue Maomao Arch
Blue Maomao Arch: a sunlit boat arch with dense fish life.
FreediveScubaSnorkelBoat EntryIntermediate
CaveReefWall
Boat-accessed Poor Knights arch with clear water, schooling fish, and tide-sensitive timing.
About Blue Maomao Arch
Blue Maomao Arch is a shallow boat dive in the Poor Knights Marine Reserve, where a low arch opens into a sunlit swim-through and dense schools of maomao. The surrounding walls and boulders are busy with sponges, invertebrates, and reef fish, so the site feels lively even on a relaxed pass.
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Research Estimate At Blue Maomao Arch
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 20m
AccessModerate entry effort
Marine LifeExceptional variety
FacilitiesBasic facilities
CrowdedQuite busy
Current StrengthStrong current
Where Is Blue Maomao Arch?
This spotNearby spots
Community sourced coordinates.
Blue Maomao Arch Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
5m - 30m
Depth Note
Inside the arch shallows to about 5 m; walls outside reach about 30 m; a small cave is around 20 m.
Best Season
Year-round; summer to early autumn is the warmest window.
Typical Conditions
Clear, blue water with strong light under the arch, lots of schooling fish, and current that can strengthen on tide.
Safety & Access At Blue Maomao Arch
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Overhead environment
Safety Notes
Includes an overhead swim-through (arch) and reaches depths around 30 m; plan gas and buoyancy accordingly.
Access Restrictions
Boat access only; landing on the islands or rocks is prohibited within the reserve.
Legal Notes
Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve rules apply: no fishing or collecting, no landing or tying to shore, and boats must follow reserve speed and anchoring rules.
Local Intel For Blue Maomao Arch
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba
Scuba divers get a short, scenic swim-through with strong light, clear water, and plenty to look at on the walls and boulders.
Freedive
Good for confident freedivers in calm conditions, with the shallow arch and outer wall giving easy photo opportunities.
Snorkel
Works for snorkelers on calm days, with fish visible around the arch and enough light to make the swim-through feel open.
Blue Maomao Arch Dive Conditions Planner
Use the planner to scan this week, inspect today in local time, and understand how exposure shapes conditions at Blue Maomao Arch.
Current Snapshot
No data
🌥️Variable
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Surface / Entry
Wind No data · Tide No data
Sea State
Swell No data · Period unavailable
Visibility Outlook
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Exposure Profile at Blue Maomao Arch
Directional shelter context for incoming swell.
Exposure Note
Hourly forecast data is not available yet.
Wildlife at Blue Maomao Arch
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At Blue Maomao Arch
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
No Dive Logs Yet
Be the first to log a dive at this spot and share your experience!
Dive Spot Log Averages At Blue Maomao Arch
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility20m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
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Blue Maomao Arch Guide - Frequently Asked Questions
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Blue Maomao Arch Guide - Sources and Updates
Last Updated
Research Sources
divernet.com · Community
Independent dive magazine coverage of the Poor Knights.
www.doc.govt.nz · Official
Marine reserve rules and habitat overview.
www.huwporter.com · Field Log
Exact arch shape and 20m visibility from a dive log.
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