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Poor Knights site list mentioning Middle Arch.
A large arch and cave dive in the Poor Knights.
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A large arch with steep slopes and a cave-air-pocket feature, making it one of the more serious Poor Knights dives. The arch itself is the easy read, but the loop and deeper sides reward calm water, a disciplined trim, and confidence around current. The route feels best when the diver stays conservative, reads the water before committing to the loop, and uses the arch as the visual anchor for the whole dive.
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
18m - 30m
Depth Note
Arch bottom is around 18 m, with slopes to 30 m+ on both sides and a cave with an air pocket near the southwestern entrance.
Best Season
Summer, when the site's conditions are typically most forgiving.
Typical Conditions
Average conditions, be alert; the loop is best when currents are absent and the water is settled.
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Safety Notes
Use overhead-environment precautions near the cave with an air pocket; keep buoyancy tight and do not force the loop when current is up.
Access Restrictions
Boat access only through a reserve-compliant Poor Knights operator.
Legal Notes
Poor Knights marine reserve rules apply, including no landing, no fishing, and no careless anchoring.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
The arch is an advanced route: follow the slopes, keep an eye on the cave entrance, and stay conservative if the water is not settled.
Freediving
Not a freedive target; the depth and overhead cave make scuba the right fit.
Snorkeling
Not a snorkel target; the arch and cave are better experienced underwater with scuba.
Use the planner to scan this week, inspect today in local time, and understand how exposure shapes conditions at Middle 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.
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Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Last Updated
Research Sources
Poor Knights site list mentioning Middle Arch.
Reserve rules and access context.
Macrolife and gorgonian coverage on Middle Arch.
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