

Best for intermediate divers, 12-30m, boat entry, mild current.
RikoRiko Cave is a large sea cave located at the Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand. This site features a wall topography and is accessible only by boat. Divers and snorkellers can explore depths ranging from 12 to 30 metres, with an average depth of 20 metres. The cave walls are lined with sponges and hydroids, while kelp grows near the entrance. Marine life observed here includes wrasses, scorpionfish, and clown doris, alongside less frequent sightings of green moray, smooth ray, mosaic moray, eagle ray, kingfish, pink maomao, pufferfish, banded coral shrimp, catshark, slipper lobster, and blue-spotted wrinkle dorid. Conditions include mild currents and visibility between 15 and 40 metres.
-35.48180, 174.73422
The cave is large enough to accommodate entire dive boats on its surface.
Boat dive.
Recorded at this site
Depth
12-30m
Visibility
15-40m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
16-21°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
50 min
Best Time
Feb, May
Divers frequently encounter wrasses, scorpionfish, and clown doris. Less common sightings include green moray, smooth ray, mosaic moray, eagle ray, kingfish, pink maomao, pufferfish, banded coral shrimp, catshark, slipper lobster, and blue-spotted wrinkle dorid.
No, RikoRiko Cave is rated for intermediate divers due to the overhead environment, depth, and potential for strong currents and surf.
The site ranges from 12 to 30 metres in depth, with an average depth of 20 metres.
Yes, a boat is required to reach this site, which is located 23 kilometres from the shore.
The best months for diving and snorkelling at RikoRiko Cave are February and May.
Diving at RikoRiko Cave in Tutukaka requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
Yes, equipment rental is available at or near RikoRiko Cave in Tutukaka. Contact local dive operators for specific gear availability and prices.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at RikoRiko Cave in Tutukaka. Water temperatures range from 16°C to 21°C.
RikoRiko Cave in Tutukaka typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at RikoRiko Cave in Tutukaka typically ranges from 15 metres to 40 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.