Two decades ago, the New Zealand government created an underwater sanctuary here, and today, no one lives on the islands. The Poor Knights Islands are full of ancient volcanic tubes which have eroded into caves, rock castles, and archways. These unique underwater formations provide an ideal habitat for marine life. A mollusk known as the clown nudibranch is found here. These creatures are hermaphroditic, which means they possess both female and male reproductive capacity.
Blennies swim in the pockets of the caves, and flying fish use the sea-castles for hatcheries.
Here, divers will find the 18 inch long John Dory fish. Just exactly how this fish got its name is not known. In the perpetual gloom of the caves and tunnels, coupled with the constant flushing of the surrounding ocean, jewel anemones stretch their tentacles to snare passing plankton. This is a rich feeding ground for all. During James Cook s first voyage to New Zealand, he sighted an enchanting bay which he named Dusky Sound.