

Best for beginner divers, 7-20m, boat entry, moderate current.
Mao Mao Arch is a reef and cave site located at RikoRiko Cave in the Poor Knights Islands. Divers and snorkellers access this site by boat, exploring depths between 7 and 20 metres with an average of 15 metres. The site features an overhead environment within the arch, requiring comfort in enclosed spaces. Visibility ranges from 10 to 30 metres, though moderate currents can strengthen inside the cave. Marine life recorded here includes wrasses, scorpionfish, clown doris, pufferfish, blue-spotted wrinkle dorids, kingfish, pink maomao, banded coral shrimp, and John Dory. Rarer sightings include mosaic moray, smooth ray, green moray, eagle ray, and long-nosed fur seal. Night diving is also available.
-35.46747, 174.73720
Book a trip during settled northerly weather when current through the arch eases and visibility holds toward its upper range. Confirm current conditions with your charter operator before departure, as moderate current at the surface can strengthen considerably inside the cave.
Boat access is required in normal conditions due to exposure and sea state.
Recorded at this site
Depth
7-20m
Visibility
10-30m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
16-21°C
Current
Moderate
Typical Dive
40 min
Best Time
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov, Dec
Divers regularly encounter wrasses and scorpionfish. Other species recorded include clown doris, pufferfish, blue-spotted wrinkle dorids, kingfish, pink maomao, banded coral shrimp, John Dory, mosaic moray, smooth ray, green moray, eagle ray, and long-nosed fur seal.
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners, though the overhead environment of the arch requires comfort in enclosed spaces.
The depth ranges from 7 to 20 metres, with an average depth of 15 metres.
Mao Mao Arch is a boat-access site located 23 kilometres from the shore.
Yes, both diving and snorkelling are permitted at this site.
Diving at Mao Mao Arch in Tutukaka requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at Mao Mao Arch in Tutukaka. Water temperatures range from 16°C to 21°C.
The best months to visit Mao Mao Arch in Tutukaka are January, February, March, April, November, and December. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Expect moderate currents at Mao Mao Arch in Tutukaka. Good buoyancy control and some drift diving experience is helpful.
Visibility at Mao Mao Arch in Tutukaka typically ranges from 10 metres to 30 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.