The Poor Knights Islands are a group of volcanic islands about 24 km off the Tutukaka Coast, accessible from Tutukaka Harbour by charter boat. The islands are best known internationally as a world-class scuba diving destination, but they are also a significant offshore fishing ground. The Poor Knights Marine Reserve covers the area around the islands, with the majority of the reserve open to recreational fishing — only two small no-take zones around the main dive sites are fully protected. Anglers can legally target snapper, kingfish, trevally, hapuku, and other species throughout most of the reserve, while the warm subtropical waters around the islands also bring marlin, tuna, and mahi mahi within range during summer.
Practical Information
| Location | 24 km offshore from Tutukaka; approx. 50 km north-east of Whangarei |
| Access | Charter boat from Tutukaka Harbour only — no private landing on the islands |
| Marine reserve status | Poor Knights Marine Reserve — 95% open to recreational fishing; 2 small no-take zones |
| Key species | Snapper, kingfish, trevally, hapuku, bluenose, kahawai, pink maomao |
| Game fish (summer) | Striped marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi |
| Permitted methods | Trolling, floating lines, bait fishing; spearfishing permitted outside no-take zones |
| Departure point | Tutukaka Harbour, Tutukaka Coast |
| Licence required | No — saltwater recreational fishing is licence-free; bag limits and size limits apply |
About Poor Knights Islands Fishing
The Poor Knights Islands rise steeply from the sea floor and are surrounded by deep water — a combination that creates exceptional habitat for a wide range of fish species. The underwater topography at the islands, including walls, caves, arches, and drop-offs that plunge to significant depths, provides structure that concentrates fish. Jacques Cousteau described the islands as one of the top ten dive sites in the world, and the same characteristics that make the diving extraordinary also support the fishing quality.
The Poor Knights Marine Reserve was established in 1998. The reserve covers approximately 2,440 hectares around the islands. Two small no-take zones were designated around the most popular dive sites — Rikoriko Cave and the northern end of the islands — but these are minor in extent relative to the total reserve area. The remaining 95% of the reserve is open to recreational fishing under standard NZ fisheries regulations, including bag limits and size limits for all species.
Snapper are the most commonly targeted species at the Poor Knights on recreational fishing trips. The reef structure around the islands holds large resident snapper populations, and the reserve status of the surrounding area means that fishing pressure relative to snapper biomass is lower here than on open coast grounds closer to shore. Bait fishing and soft baits fished deep around structure produce consistently.
Kingfish (yellowtail kingfish) are present around the islands year-round and are a key target for many anglers visiting the Poor Knights. They are taken on live baits, large soft plastics, and trolled stickbaits. The islands’ deep water and baitfish concentrations make them a reliable kingfish location by New Zealand standards. Large hapuku (groper) and bluenose are taken by deep dropping in the channels and drop-offs around the island group.
Game Fishing at the Poor Knights
During summer (approximately December to April), the warm northward-flowing currents that pass the Tutukaka Coast bring game fish species within range of the Poor Knights. Striped marlin are the headline target — New Zealand, and the Northland coast in particular, is one of the southern hemisphere’s premier marlin destinations. The Poor Knights grounds are regularly visited by game fishing charters from Tutukaka during the season.
Yellowfin tuna follow the same warm-water systems as marlin and provide faster-paced action when schools are encountered. Mahi mahi (dorado) are also present in summer, often found around floating debris lines and temperature breaks. Charter operators running game fishing trips from Tutukaka to the Poor Knights combine trolling for surface species with dropping for snapper and hapuku when the bite is right.
Historically, the waters around the Poor Knights supported large schools of trevally, yellowtail kingfish, and sharks. The establishment of the marine reserve, combined with reduced commercial pressure, has led to reports of recovering populations — particularly of hapuku and kingfish — making the grounds progressively better over time for recreational anglers.
Fishing the Marine Reserve: What’s Allowed
The Poor Knights Marine Reserve allows fishing in 95% of its area. The two no-take zones are clearly marked and buoyed — these must not be entered for fishing. Outside the no-take zones, standard New Zealand recreational fishing rules apply: bag limits, size limits, and gear restrictions as set by the Ministry for Primary Industries. Anchoring on the reef is prohibited to protect coral and marine life — boats must drift or use sea anchors when fishing within the reserve. Before fishing the Poor Knights, check the current reserve boundaries and regulations with DOC or MPI.
What Visitors Say
Where to Learn More
Charter operator running long-day fishing and diving trips to the Poor Knights Islands from Northland, with details on species, trip structure, and booking.
New Zealand Geographic’s coverage of the Poor Knights Islands marine environment — the fish species, the reserve’s impact on populations, and why the islands are exceptional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the Poor Knights Islands?
The Poor Knights Islands are about 24 km offshore from the Tutukaka Coast, roughly 50 km north-east of Whangarei. They are accessible only by boat from Tutukaka Harbour.
Can you fish at the Poor Knights Islands?
Yes — 95% of the Poor Knights Marine Reserve is open to recreational fishing. Only two small no-take zones around the main dive sites are fully protected. Standard NZ fishing regulations apply throughout.
What fish are at the Poor Knights Islands?
Snapper, kingfish, trevally, hapuku, bluenose, and kahawai year-round. Striped marlin, yellowfin tuna, and mahi mahi during summer (December–April).
How do you get to the Poor Knights Islands?
By charter boat from Tutukaka Harbour. There are no public ferry services. Private landing on the islands is not permitted — Tutukaka is the only practical departure point for both fishing and diving trips.
What is the best time to fish the Poor Knights?
Year-round for snapper, kingfish, and hapuku. Summer (December–April) for game fish: marlin, tuna, and mahi mahi. Conditions at the islands are best in settled, light-wind weather.
Is anchoring allowed at the Poor Knights?
Anchoring on the reef is prohibited within the marine reserve to protect the habitat. Boats must drift or use sea anchors when fishing.
Do fish populations at the Poor Knights benefit from the marine reserve?
Yes — anecdotal evidence from divers and anglers suggests that hapuku, kingfish, trevally, and other species are recovering since the reserve was established in 1998, with larger and more numerous fish reported over time.
The Poor Knights are the premier offshore destination from the Whangarei fishing area. For charter options from Tutukaka, see the fishing charters near Whangarei guide. For land-based fishing nearby, read about Matapouri Bay on the Tutukaka Coast.