Poor Knights Islands

Poor Knights Islands are a group of islands off the east coast of the Northland Region of the North Island of New Zealand. They are a nature reserve and a popular scuba diving site with an abundance of marine life.

Geography

The Poor Knights Islands are located about 50 kilometers to the north-east of Whangarei, and 22 kilometers offshore half way between Bream Head and Cape Brett. Uninhabited since the 1820s, they are the eroded remnants of a 4 million year old rhyolite volcano.

Flora and Fauna

The islands' flora and fauna are unique, with many endemic species. The islands are home to the largest breeding colony of Buller's Shearwater in the world. The surrounding marine reserve has many species of fish, shellfish and invertebrates, and is a popular diving location.

History

The islands were named 'Poor Knights' by Captain James Cook in 1769, supposedly after a dish called 'Poor Knights Pudding' in his native England. The islands were inhabited by Māori until the 1820s, when a conflict with mainland tribes led to their abandonment.

Marine Reserve

The waters around the Poor Knights Islands were declared a marine reserve in 1981. The reserve covers an area of around 2400 hectares. Diving in the reserve is a popular activity, with many dive operators running trips to the islands.

See also

• List of islands of New Zealand
• List of marine reserves in New Zealand